Nottinghamshire Police have issued a warning about the dangers of laughing gas after dozens of canisters were found outside of a church. Concerned members of the Grangewood Road Methodist Church, in Grangewood Road in Wollaton, said the sight of canisters had become a "regular occurrence" in the last few weeks.
'Laughing gas' or nitrous oxide - to use its correct name - can make the user fall unconscious and suffocate from a lack of oxygen if inhaled. If mixed with alcohol or other drugs, it also increases the threat of serious consequences to the human body.
Geoff Saville, from Bramcote, claims that 18 canisters were left in the church's car park on Saturday night, and five more were found on Sunday (August 28). The 82-year-old, who is a member of the church, said the bins could not be emptied because of the canisters - and they are now trying to find a way to dispose of them.
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He added: "We are finding a number of nitrous oxide 840grm empty canisters of the gas along with balloons and other items in the car park of the church on a regular basis. We have reported it to the police, and we have got the disposal problem because the city council have refused to dispose them.
"We are struggling because we have got about two dozen of these canisters now. It just looks like somebody has just said 'there is a car park there - we will have a party with nitrous oxide'. And because it is dark at night, with the CCTV we cannot actually identify the car numbers.
"They usually come here at midnight, half one in the morning. And then obviously they leave the cylinders after they have done whatever they do with them."
Sergeant Tracey Perkins, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The beat manager for the area has been in touch with those concerned and we will be carrying out extra patrols in the area. This is a worrying trend that puts the communities we serve at risk.
“Inhaling nitrous oxide can be dangerous and can lead to loss of blood pressure, heart attack, unconsciousness and can ultimately lead to death. The health risks are likely to be exacerbated if the exposure to the gas is combined with alcohol or other drugs.
“We are urging our young people to really think about their actions and the possible consequences it could have including serious damage to their health or worse. Please ask yourself if the risks of inhaling this substance are really worth it?
“I’m also asking parents and families to support us by being vigilant for the signs of nitrous oxide and to talk to their children about the risks associated with it and ensure they are safe. I would also ask our local communities to help us keep people safe. If you see any suspicious activity where you think nitrous oxide is being consumed, please report it to Nottinghamshire Police on 101.”
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire City Council explained that the canisters in question do not fall into the category of 'domestic waste'. They advised that the canisters should be taken to a scrap metal expert to be disposed of.
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