Hong Kong police have recorded a more than fivefold increase in the number of cases involving unlawful possession of fireworks during the Lunar New Year period, compared with the same stretch in 2021.

A police spokesman said that from January 30 to Thursday, the force handled 183 such incidents. From February 10 to 14 last year, there were 34 cases.

The latest illegal fireworks display lit up the sky on Friday night, as people continued to mark the start of the Year of the Tiger, with more pyrotechnics expected on Saturday.

For the second straight night, fireworks were spotted in densely populated Hung Hom. One video seen by the Post showed red, green and white bursts of colour against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, lasting for about a minute. It followed an earlier display there on Thursday night, seen by residents through gaps between buildings.

Since Monday, fireworks have been set off in Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai, Sha Tin, Sham Tseng, Ma Wan, Kwai Tsing, Tsz Wan Shan, Yau Ma Tei, Yau Tong, Kowloon Tong and Hung Hom, according to video clips obtained by the Post.

Hong Kong’s traditional annual display, normally held at the harbourfront on the second day of Lunar New Year, has been cancelled for three years in a row.

Setting off fireworks during this festive period is thought to bring good luck, health and wealth, and the tradition remains popular in Hong Kong’s rural villages, particularly among older residents.

There has been a significant uptick in illegal possession of fireworks, according to police.

There were 133 cases of people setting off fireworks without a permit in the same period this year, compared with a total of 154 last year.

One arrest has been made so far. Police warned they would be monitoring subsequent displays, expected to occur near residential properties.

Ahead of Lunar New Year, police seized about 300kg of fireworks worth HK$350,000 (US$44,915) hidden in a shipping container on a remote hillside in Tin Shui Wai on January 18. The force said at the time it was investigating whether the goods were intended to be sold for festive celebrations.

A police spokesman said the illegal possession or discharge of fireworks and firecrackers carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a HK$25,000 fine under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance.

“The force is aware that the illegal use of fireworks was near to people’s residence, caused danger to the safety of persons and properties, and affected people’s rest and daily lives. Police will continue to pay attention to the situation in various districts, and deploy resources accordingly to crack down on the unlawful acts of illegal possession and use of fireworks,” he said.

The spokesman added that if anyone lit fireworks illegally and caused harm or danger to another person, he or she could be fined up to HK$500 or jailed for up to three months upon conviction.