Limassol Police yesterday announced the launch of a campaign against firecrackers, in a bid to uphold the safety of the public from this dangerous but popular Easter tradition.

“In the past, many people have been injured or mutilated because of firecrackers, so police are taking preventive measures,” said Filippos Papaelias, who was recently promoted to Deputy Limassol Police Chief.

Preventive measures include police visits to schools, local communities and municipalities to inform people, particularly the young, of the risks involved in using firecrackers. Police officers will be touring Limassol schools from today and until schools close for the Easter break to give presentations to students on this issue. The campaign also includes conducting searches at kiosks or other establishments from where people buy firecrackers or the materials to make them.

“Anyone selling such products is dealing dangerous items and harming society as a whole. If traced, these items will be confiscated,” Papaelias said.

Police confirmed they had already received numerous complaints from the public about the noise made by firecrackers, let off outside their homes. Police said they would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found in possession of firecrackers. Regular patrols will also be made outside churches to oversee preparations for ‘lambratzia’, the setting of fires at churchyards for the symbolic burning of Judas at the stake.

“The lambratzia tradition will be maintained, but with caution so that private property or electricity poles are not damaged. If police sees any dangerous lambratzia-related activity, it will be removed. Police are co-operating with church committees, which will inform police if they view any dangerous activity taking place,” Papaelias said.