New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced an update on the Department's crackdown on illegal fireworks as the July 4th holiday approaches. The NYPD reminds all New Yorkers that the use or sale of fireworks is illegal. Fireworks burn at an extremely high temperature and can quickly burn through clothing and skin, causing serious injuries.  Fireworks should only be used by trained professionals.  Individuals found in possession of illegal fireworks face penalties including jail, fines and the forfeiture of personal vehicles. 

Actions taken this year by the Police Department include:
*       49 automobiles have been seized from traffickers in illegal fireworks
*       182 individuals have been arrested in all five boroughs on charges including fireworks possession and fireworks trafficking.
*       1434 cases of fireworks have been seized

In The Department's Vice Enforcement Division is once again spearheading the Department's fireworks enforcement. They are being supported with other resources in the N.Y.P.D in a coordinated effort to reduce the dangerous use illegal fireworks.
*       Patrol, Transit and Housing Bureaus have all assigned additional resources to ramp up enforcement.
*       Detective Bureau is debriefing all those arrested to enhance prosecution and to seek additional information.
*       Community Affairs offices have visited schools and local groups to inform the public of the Department's initiatives and to seek assistance and information from the public.
*       The Traffic Control Division officers are monitoring the highways, tunnels, bridges and other entry points into the City in order to support the enforcement and to interdict the dangerous shipments of fireworks.

Commissioner Kelly said: "The illegal use of fireworks is a dangerous activity, and their use often leads to tragic results.  The department is increasing our enforcement of fireworks laws; we are making arrests and seizing fireworks.  We are also stopping and seizing vehicles, many that are traveling from out of state transporting illegal fireworks crammed into personal vehicles, creating extremely dangerous situations for the occupants as well as to the public.  We are continuing this initiative, and in fact we are increasing our efforts as the Fourth of July approaches in order to ensure public safety in the city."