THE firework season is nearly upon us and the police have come out with some good advice to ensure that it is a time of fun and not fear and tragedy.
First, people are reminded that it is AN OFFENCE:

• to SUPPLY fireworks to anyone who APPEARS to be under the age of 18 - and that means not just shopkeepers selling them to under-age kids, but parents or other adults handing them over as well;
• to let fireworks off in the street;
• to let anyone under the age of five handle sparklers.

Police advise that you should ALWAYS:

• only handle fireworks with gloves on;
• don’t go back to a firework if it does not seem to have gone off properly - it could suddenly blow up in your face;
• keep your pets in and be mindful of your neighbours.

The best advice of all would seem to be to go along to the official fireworks display run by the council (details in the local press) and see a fantastic, properly run show.

• Police forces throughout Scotland have launched a “Safer Scotland” campaign. Here in the Highlands they will be making random checks for use of safety belts, vehicle lighting - including bikes - and tyre checks, And they will also focus on speeding and, as ever over the festive season, drinking and driving.
• A perennial problem is that of bogus callers and one that has been operating in the Inverness area recently is someone calling saying that they are carrying out a consumer protection survey and asking for details of your current security - whether you have locks on your windows, or have an alarm system etc. The police advise, “DON’T GIVE DETAILS either over the phone or at the door. There is no such official survey being carried out.” Never give out bank details either.
• And as always, watch for internet scams - a local woman was told she had won $160,000 in the Australian lottery and if she sent some money it could be released to her. Another current plea comes from a “student” in Africa, again begging for money.
• Finally a reminder once more to parents, now that the darker evenings are here again, to ensure that your child’s bike has adequate lighting and that he/she knows how to use it. You would never forgive yourself if your child was injured or worse for the sake of a few pounds to buy lights and a few minutes of your time to fit them.