SAN DIEGO, May 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, conviction and/or recovery of five cases of stolen aerial fireworks.

On May 23, 2009, between 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., five cases of Lydo Ariel Shells were stolen from Fireworks America, located at 12650 Highway 67, Lakeside, California (northeast of San Diego). The stolen fireworks consisted 270 - Lydo 3" Aerial Shells and 62 - Lydo 4" Aerial Shells. The fireworks were packaged in five cardboard boxes with an orange "Explosive 1.3G" label affixed to box.

"The theft of these fireworks is very serious and can have devastating consequences," said Torres, who oversees ATF's southern California area. "The last thing we want to see is someone get injured or killed as a result of misusing these things. There are plenty of places to safely enjoy fireworks displays and it is best left to the experts," added Torres.

The stolen fireworks are extremely dangerous and are not for personal or neighborhood use. They are designed for aerial displays typically seen at amusement parks or sporting events. These fireworks are designed for use only by licensed professionals in a controlled environment. Misuse of the explosives can result in serious injury and even death. There is also an extreme fire danger associated with the misuse of the fireworks.

Anyone with information about this theft or the location of the fireworks is urged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-283-2662. Callers can remain anonymous.

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

    Contact: Michael Hoffman, Special Agent - PIO
    Office: (818) 265-2507
    Cell:   (213) 925-4547
    www.atf.gov
    michael.hoffman@atf.gov

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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