Lincoln Square Police Cracking Down on Illegal Fireworks

After residents complained of people setting off fireworks in local parks, Chicago police will add extra security in those areas for July 4. 

At a town hall meeting Monday, neighbors told Ward 40 Ald. Patrick O'Connor that every Independence Day, people sneak into Legion and River parks to light fireworks. 

As a result, Chicago Police 20th District Commander James Jones told residents he'd put an extra patrol car on the streets before dusk. 

Smoke bombs, party poppers and other novelty items are the only legal fireworks allowed in the city without a permit. 

"If a (police) car sits anywhere near those parks on Peterson or Lawrence, they'll confiscate thousands of dollars in fireworks," O'Connor said.