"Those rapscallions! They're out on my lawn again, lighting fireworks. Call the cops."
It's summertime, and the kids are out of school. People are out of their homes. Everyone's feeling feisty. Some start acting up. The cops know this, and the types of calls they recieve shift a little in the summer months.
Crime statistics go up during the summer. According to Northborough Police Chief Mark Leahy, the department gets many more calls for noise complaints, disorderly conduct, loud parties and underage drinking during the warm season.
"Those are the main culprits," he said.
This weekend, Leahy said, the police successfully thwarted an underage drinking party that had the potential of up to 350 kids. With some excellent intelligence work by detectives, it was uncovered before it even occurred.
Calls for loud teens, speeding, drinking and loudness escalate during the summer.
And reports of fireworks are plenty, especially on and around the 4th of July. Leahy reminds people that fireworks could bring about an arrest, confiscation of the fireworks and a penalty of not more than one year in the House of Correction. The fines can get up to $1,000.
Typically, he said, possessing fireworks carries a fine between $10 and $100.
And it also affects the fire department's work.
"Did you know that the six busiest days of the year for fires in Massachusetts is the period between July 2 and July 7?" said Leahy. "Only four states still ban fireworks. Obviously we are one of them. When looking at emergency room visits from fireworks per 100,000, the national average is three to five times higher than Massachusetts. An average of 8,600 people seek emergency room treatment for fireworks related injuries each year; 40% are children under the age of 15."
Water-related accidents are few and far between in Northborough, said Leahy, but he stresses the importance of swimming safety.
"If you own a pool and plan to host a party," said Leahy, "extra vigilance is required as you never know the swimming skill level (or lack thereof) of your guests.
Leahy cannot recall a boating accident in town, as Northborough doesn't allow JetSkis or anything bigger than a small electric trolling motor for fishing. For canoes, kayaks and rowboats, lifejackets are a must.
"We will strictly enforce drunk driving laws, underage drinking parties and house parties that disturb their neighbors," said Leahy, "Be safe, considerate and enjoy the holiday!"