Filenews 11 March 2025 - by Fanis Makrides
Easter entails additional responsibilities for the Police, due to the phenomena that accompany the greatest celebration of Christianity. The reason for the use of fireworks, firecrackers, and also the custom of lambratzia.
All these events – mainly young people – are not only directly linked to security issues, but may be related to illegalities. That is why the leadership of the Police, although we are separated by more than 40 days from Easter (20/4/2025), has already mobilized to address all the security issues and possible illegalities.
Since last week, according to information provided by "F", all the units involved have been informed to take specific preventive measures in relation to the use of firecrackers, fireworks, but also the lighting of lampratzies.
Morning report
An Assistant Chief of Staff has sent a letter to all Heads of Departments/Services giving clear instructions as to their respective obligations. Among other things, a specific date has been set from which all duty officers will inform the Police Headquarters in writing every morning of any accidents caused by firecrackers, complaints or other incidents in relation to the Easter holidays throughout the territory of the Republic (cities and countryside).
Immediately Court of Justice
Of course, what stands out from the instructions given to senior officers is zero tolerance. In an internal note, a senior officer points out that the heads of Police Departments engaged in investigative work should ensure that cases related to firecrackers are investigated immediately with a view to bringing offenders to Court as soon as possible.
The occupied territories
Controls and prevention, however, extend to the opposition line, but also to the barricades, i.e. where firecrackers from the occupied areas are smuggled. In particular, strict controls are recommended.
Business Report
In addition, station managers are invited to make an assessment of areas where – based on previous years' experience – firecrackers and other dangerous fireworks are used and to submit it within the next few days. It is obvious that an operational plan will be drawn up by the Police Headquarters.
Response to fires
Instructions are also given on the degree of response of the Police when the Fire Brigade is called in incidents of extinguishing fires caused by lighting lampratzies. It was recommended that in identical cases the Police should be notified and where necessary there should be a response from a sufficient number of police officers in order to avoid incidents with young people.
Contacts with sellers
Based on the instructions given, Service Officers will have contacts with owners of hunting grounds, kiosks and related other shops, for the disposal of firecrackers and other illegal items. This is in an effort to ensure that the two sides cooperate so that there are no illegalities or accidents.
Permitted pyrotechnic articles
The correspondence exchanged internally at the Police also includes information on the updated list of permitted pyrotechnic articles "F1" and "F2". Pyrotechnic articles "F1" and "F2" are categories of pyrotechnic products based on European legislation (Regulation (EU) 2013/29).
The 'F1' category includes 'very low risk' products. That is, they have very low noise levels, are safe to use in confined spaces, even indoors. They are also allowed to be used by persons over 12 years of age. Such products are sparklers, tobacco cans, very small sparklers, snakes, etc.
Products of category 'F2' are classified as 'low risk'. They are intended for outdoors, have moderate noise levels and are allowed to be used by people over 16 years old. These products include small Roman candles, hand fireworks, mini rockets and fountains.
There are also categories "F3" (medium risk, for advanced users) and "F4" (high risk, for professional use only).
According to information provided by the Pyrotechnics Section of the Police, every person (excluding licensed petrol stations/points of sale) is entitled to import/possess/transport a number of pyrotechnic articles included in categories "F1" and "F2", provided that the total quantity of explosive does not exceed three kilograms.
