CALLS to stiffen up licensing checks on businesses selling fireworks have been made after youths were blamed for a series of attacks on vehicles over the bonfire period including once which destroyed a pensioner’s car.

November 5 saw an influx of calls to Barnsley’s officers, with a 25 per cent increase to 999 and a ten per cent rise to non-emergency 101 compared to a normal Monday.

According to official figures, 34 deliberate fires were started between October 25 and November 6 in the town just one more than the previous year’s statistics although call-outs relating to firework misuse were not available.

Officers investigating a fire involving 83-year-old Rita Poole’s Volkswagen Polo on Engine Lane, Shafton, in the early hours of October 27 believe a firework sparked flames which gutted the vehicle.

“I heard a thud at about 2am and when I looked out of the window there was an orange glow coming from my driveway,” she told the Chronicle. “It’s been a nightmare as it’s my only method of getting about.

“I really do rely on it so it’s been like missing my arms. The car was only a year old but it was completely ruined by the fire which we believe was caused by a firework.

“Youths were seen in the area throwing fireworks about and although there’s next to no chance of catching them, it’s so important that businesses who sell them take more care.

“Kids should not be running around the streets past midnight with extremely dangerous fireworks in their hands. One ruined my car but it could also have hurt them.”

As well Mrs Poole’s incident, police had reports of a similar nature near the Dorothy Hyman Stadium in Cudworth where two cars were damaged by suspected fireworks and Asda’s car park in Grimethorpe, which was discussed at a crime meeting on Tuesday.

Sgt Richard Wilson said firework misuse was a key area of interest for on-the-beat officers as the timeframe has traditionally been one of the busiest in the year due to earlier dark nights and youngsters being out, but this year’s statistics have been hailed by bosses.

Simon Brookes, community safety manager for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, told the Chronicle: “It would appear the preparatory work in the build up to the period, which involved fire, police and council officers, paid off.

“There were a few incidents during the timeframe between October 25 and November 6 but they were spread right across the district, so there were no real issues in any particular area.

“A lot more patrols took place at areas identified as potential causes for concern and the reports we did receive involved individual addresses as opposed to parklands like we had seen in the summer.”

Chief Superintendent Stuart Barton added: “We are pleased that there were no major incidents.

“Misbehaving with fireworks is absolutely not acceptable. There were many people who had a great night, with some excellent organised events, but sadly some people displayed disgraceful actions exhibited by reckless and mindless behaviour.”