(MAIZE, Kan.) — The five firework stands in the City of Maize are being guarded by police officers this week. Maize Police Lieutenant Craig Brasser says the officers are guarding the stands in an effort to protect them from vandalism.
"I think it makes them think twice before coming to a tent with police cars and police officers inside," says Krehbiel Wholesale Fireworks tent operator Dana Handy.
Brasser says this is a proactive move to prevent crime from occurring, especially after the recent armed robberies of fireworks stands in Derby and Goddard.
"You're constantly looking at who's pulling in and what they're motive might be besides buying some fireworks," says Handy.
The officers, working both on-duty and off-duty will continue to guard the stands as long as there's the man power to do so. The police department decided to do this on its own, it was not requested by those running the fireworks stands.
