On Monday, officers from the Rivierenland Local Police Service apprehended a 14-year-old boy that was in possession of 465 fireworks. The teenager was apprehended near Mechelen railway station, in Antwerp Province. The boy, who is from Sint-Katelijne-Waver (Antwerp Province) was acting suspiciously and gave a confused explanation when questioned by the police. The use of fireworks is banned in Mechelen. The ban includes their use on private property.
The teenager was acting nervously outside the station and this attracted the attention of the police. When he saw the police approach, the boy rushed towards his fat bike that was parked nearby. Dirk Van de Sande of the Rivierenland Local Police Service told VRT News that the boy gave a confused explanation about what he was doing there. Police officers found three large bags containing fireworks in the immediate vicinity of the boy.
The police confiscated a total of 465 fireworks and the boy's parents were notified. The 14-year-old will now have to attend a compulsory fireworks training course run by the Fire Service. Minors aged 14 and over can be fined and obliged to take a fireworks training course if they breach the fireworks’ ban. Adults that do the same face a fine of up to €500.
The ban on the possession and use of fireworks in Mechelen is in force from 1 November to 31 January. Serious breaches of the ban are reported to the public prosecutor's office. The Rivierenland Local Police Service says that it will continue to monitor the possession and use of fireworks during the festive season. “We will continue to take action, issue fines and confiscate items”, Mr Van de Sande said.