Wilmslow Police have received an increased number of reports concerning small colourful canisters being found in locations where youths like to gather and socialise, such as Wilmslow Leisure Centre and the Carrs.
These canisters contain nitrous oxide which is commonly known as laughing gas. However, police are warning people that the truth is no laughing matter because this gas when inhaled can cause unconsciousness or even death in certain circumstances.
Sgt Angela Coppock said "Sadly though this gas is not as harmless as it sounds and you only have to Google the effects to see that it has caused death to those who use it as a recreational drug. I would strongly advise against inhaling this gas and warn those persons who sell or supply it to others could well be committing a criminal offence.
"We would ask all parents to speak to their children about this new and dangerous trend and advise them of the risks involved and to visit the 'Ask Frank' website if they would like to learn more.
"We would also advise any shops that sell these canisters that it is illegal to sell them to anyone under the age of 18."
If you see anything suspicious please call Wilmslow Police on 101.
Comments
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Not good at all. Another unsavoury and dangerous social fad that needs immediate attention by all parents actively supported by the police, traders and CEC who must surely see the need to appoint mobile wardens for all our open spaces - wonder how long that will take CEC to organise (took them years and tax payers £1000's to put gates on Earl Road to prevent travellers causing mayhem for shoppers and Stanley Green tenants every few weeks).
There will be inevitable fatalities from the use of these gases silly youngsters.
Where the school boundary meets the car park, there were lots of these, obviously tossed over the fence from the school field.
Are the staff aware of this? Another site is the path beside the railway line that many pupils use.
It would be good to know that the staff are actively tackling the problem.
The gas itself is transferred into a balloon and then inhaled from the balloon. The 'high' lasts 5 seconds, hence the huge amounts of these canisters found everywhere.
Children can purchase them off their 'friends' for £1 only!! The sellers buy them online for half that price!! Which parents wouldn't wonder & enquire about boxes being delivered to their door addressed directly to their son/daughter? The dealers need to be found and stopped & WHS could help with this....