Police arrest four, aged 12 to 18, for misuse of sparklers

SINGAPORE - Four male suspects, aged between 12 and 18, have been arrested for setting off an improvised explosive device constructed from sparklers.

According to a press statement, the police received a call for assistance in the vicinity of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 on Jul 30, at about 10.30pm.

When they arrived at the scene, officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division spotted a few bundled sparklers.

The police subsequently arrested four male youths who were in the vicinity after conducting checks and interviews.

The 18-year-old suspect will be charged in court on Oct 14 for Public Nuisance with Common Intention, under Section 290 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. The offence is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000.

Investigations against the other 3 suspects, aged 12 to 14, are still ongoing.

According to the police, there has been a total of 17 cases where 72 people were arrested for setting off improvised explosive devices since July 2014.

The police reaffirmed that it takes a serious view of these offences, as improvised explosive devices are a potential fire hazard, and can cause noise pollution and undue alarm to the public. The resulting blast effect and fire from the explosion also endangers lives and could cause damage to property.

While the importation and sale of some types of sparklers are permitted in Singapore, the use of sparklers should be done in a responsible manner in accordance with safety guidelines prescribed by the manufacturer, the police added.

seanyap@sph.com.sg