Kempsey police anxious after theft of professional fireworks from Yessabah property

A large quantity of “industrial-grade” fireworks have been stolen from a property near Kempsey on the state’s Mid North Coast, prompting a senior cop to voice community safety concerns. Here’s what is known.

Police have been told the fireworks were taken from a Yessabah property, about 15km west of Kempsey.

Police are turning to the public for leads as they investigate the theft of a large quantity of fireworks from a property near Kempsey this week.

Mid North Coast Police District officers have been told the fireworks were stolen from Yessabah sometime between 7pm on Monday and noon on Tuesday.

Mid North Coast Police District crime manager Peter O’Reilly said recovery of the fireworks was vital for the safety of the community.

“We have been advised these are industrial-grade fireworks which – as a consequence – are far more dangerous if handled by anyone other than an expert,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“We have been told these are very specific safety processes dealing with these fireworks, and anyone without this experience is at genuine risk of serious injury or death.

Police fear the stolen fireworks could lead to any number of disastrous consequences, including starting a bushfire. File picture: Dylan Robinson

“If you have one of these, or you have information about where they are being kept or on-sold, we urge you to get in touch with us immediately.”

SafeWork NSW has been notified of the incident and anyone with information can contact Kempsey Police Station on 6561 6199. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000.

“Not only is the illegal possession and distribution of fireworks a criminal offence, but there is also a genuine risk you could kill or injure yourself or another, or you could trigger a bushfire or worse: there are so many risk factors at play,” Mr O’Reilly said.