Police scotch cracker rumours

Reports that drug dealers on the Peninsula were letting off firecrackers to signal their presence to clients were unfounded, according to local police.

Chief Inspector Steve Kentwall from Brisbane Water Local Area Command said that there was no intelligence suggesting that it was the case on the Peninsula.

"There have been no reports on the Peninsula," he said.

"There's nothing to indicate that it's here."

Chief Inspector Kentwall said that he had heard of it happening in other areas, but he said that there had been no reports in Brisbane Water Local Area Command.

He said that Gosford Police did receive calls about firecrackers, or "bungers", being let off on weekends, especially over the recent holiday period.

"They are banned, but it is common knowledge they can be obtained from Canberra," he said.

"Firecrackers are a nuisance crime, but they are dangerous."

Chief Inspector Kentwall said that there was no evidence that local children were constructing their own fireworks.

They were most likely purchased, he said.

He said that people should contact Brisbane Water Local Area Command or Woy Woy Police on 4341 9122 if they did hear them being let off.

The issue arose at a recent Older Women's Network meeting at Woy Woy Leagues Club, after reports circulated that firecrackers were being used.

The meeting was told that loud bangs had been reported by Umina Neighbourhood Watch as occurring just prior to 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights over the January holidays.

These were claimed to be signals in advance of drug deals.

Alison Branley, February 6