Law enforcement departments across New Jersey have been dealing with an issue of illegal fireworks.

Authorities say that this situation has been an issue since the COVID-19 lockdown kicked off, with people illegally setting off nightly fireworks in many municipalities across the Garden State. Residents in many towns have complained about not being able to sleep and the noises upsetting their pets and small children.

The Hoboken Police Department sent out a special “quality of life” patrol to hand out $500 summonses to those illegally setting off fireworks.

Chief Ken Ferrante says that for the past 12 nights people found to be from outside of Hudson County were setting off fireworks between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Fireworks are being sold in Hoboken grocery stores. Ferrante asked the city council to ban their sale.

“Just standing anywhere in the city of Hoboken, all you hear are explosions going off, and pops and they’re loud. Roman candles, M80s – those fireworks are not legal and you’re getting those with the legal fireworks being shot off,” the chief says.

The Hoboken Mayor’s Office says that the City Council is formulating an ordinance that could potentially ban the sale and use of fireworks in Hoboken.

Linden police also say that they will not tolerate illegal fireworks being shot off in town.

Certain handheld and ground-based fireworks are prohibited in New Jersey. Violators should be reported to the police.