More than 1,500 fireworks-related incidents were recorded across West Yorkshire in the last year, yet hardly any arrests were made, new figures show.
Data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows West Yorkshire Police logged 1,559 incidents involving anti-social behaviour relating to fireworks between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026.
However, during the same period, officers made just 10 arrests for fireworks offences.
Responding to the figures, Chief Inspector Andy Thornton said: “We do receive a large volume of reports related to firework noise and these are logged as anti-social behaviour incidents involving fireworks."
He continued: “Officers will investigate reports of criminal offences using fireworks and we encourage anyone who has information about persons illegally possessing fireworks or using them to commit criminal acts to contact us.”
Eight arrests made for underage possession
The figures were obtained through an FOI request seeking details about fireworks-related arrests and reports made to the force.
According to the response, eight arrests were for possession of fireworks by persons below the age of 18, while two arrests were for possession of Category 4 fireworks, which are professional-grade fireworks not intended for sale to the public.
The FOI also asked for information on incidents involving fireworks being set off during prohibited hours.
However, the force was unable to provide that breakdown.
The release states that the 1,559 recorded incidents were those closed as anti-social behaviour relating to fireworks.
Councillor reaction
The figures have prompted calls for more detailed recording of fireworks-related complaints, particularly those involving fireworks being set off late at night.
Reacting to the figures, Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed (Heaton and Frizinghall, Your Bradford Independent Group) said: “The figures provided by West Yorkshire Police make clear that there is a significant level of fireworks-related anti-social behaviour across West Yorkshire.”
Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed speaking at a recent firework protest in Bradford city centre. (Image: T&A)
Cllr Ahmed noted that the arrests identified in the FOI related to possession offences rather than reports of fireworks being set off after 11pm.
He said: “That, in my view, highlights one of the problems we need to address.
“Residents are reporting late-night fireworks, but we currently do not appear to have sufficiently detailed data to understand the scale of fireworks being set off after 11pm specifically," he said.
Calls for 'coordinated approach'
Cllr Ahmed called for a more coordinated approach involving West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council and other agencies, alongside clearer information for residents about how to report concerns and what action may follow.
Chief Insp Thornton said the force was continuing to work with partner organisations and would act against those who break the law.
He said: "West Yorkshire Police works closely with partners to protect communities from crime involving fireworks, and we will take positive action against those who are found to be involved in such matters.
"Planning is ongoing with partners regarding this year's Bonfire Night with operational activity planned in communities over the coming weeks.
"Residents will also see increased patrols on their streets over the Bonfire Night period."
Residents are 'frightened' to report incidents
Cllr Ahmed added that while the figures were useful, they raised "an important question" about how many incidents ultimately led to enforcement action.
Local campaigner Inayah Sher also questioned whether the figures reflected the true scale of the problem.
Inayah Sher at a recent firework protest in Bradford city centre. (Image: T&A)
She said: "It's great that people are reporting these incidents, but I don't believe 1,559 is a true reflection of what is actually happening on the ground.
"So many residents don't report because they feel nothing will happen, they are frightened and others simply don't know who to report to."
Council response
The debate comes as Bradford Council continues efforts to tackle anti-social firework use.
In June, the T&A reported that the authority had launched its Bang Out of Order campaign, which aims to reduce nuisance fireworks and improve public awareness.
Commenting on the FOI figures, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: "These figures reveal the scale of the problem of nuisance fireworks across West Yorkshire.
"The Bang Out of Order campaign is about raising awareness of the distress suffered by many as the result of a few mindless individuals.
"Through the campaign we are also encouraging people to participate in the Government's national fireworks consultation which seeks views on tightening legislation on the use of fireworks.
"We also invited representatives of the Department of Business and Trade who led the consultation to meet with key stakeholders and residents at City Hall on September 22.
"We hope this gave them a greater insight into the scale of the problem and why greater legal controls are needed."