Enhanced operations will be carried out, among others, by traffic, prevention and operational division officers. The uniformed officers will respond to all situations in which legal regulations are violated. Let us work together to ensure that the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one are safe for us all.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, police officers have been appealing to residents to observe the restrictions, exercise caution and comply with the regulations in force. The most effective methods of combating the pandemic remain social distancing, covering the mouth and nose with a suitable mask, and frequent hand disinfection. These rules help protect not only ourselves but also others from the virus. In these difficult times, we must demonstrate responsibility for ourselves and others. All of this is very important for our shared safety.

During the New Year period, police officers in Lower Silesia will check, among other things, drivers' sobriety and compliance with the restrictions. Uniformed officers must carry out all these activities while taking enhanced safety measures. During the most recent operations alone, police officers conducted several hundred inspections of shopping centres, shops, establishments and public transport. Among the violations identified, in nearly 300 cases officers issued fines to offenders because of their disregard for the obligation to cover their mouth and nose.

We also appeal to everyone not to use pyrotechnic articles on New Year's Eve out of consideration for animals, for which noise and explosions can cause traumatic experiences. However, if we decide to use fireworks, we must strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. It is worth remembering the following rules to welcome the New Year safely:

  • before setting off a firecracker, always read the operating instructions,
  • strictly observe all safety precautions,
  • never aim at people, animals, buildings or objects
  • do not hold firecrackers, fireworks or other pyrotechnic materials in your hands, especially after lighting them,
  • do not use firecrackers or fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances,
  • never use fireworks or firecrackers indoors,
  • do not set off firecrackers or fireworks from windows, terraces or balconies,
  • if an attempt to set off a firecracker fails, never light it a second time!

Let us work together to ensure that the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one are joyful and safe for us all. Let us remember that, to a large extent, safety depends on us ourselves! Let us act with common sense and responsibility for the common good.