Police urge residents not to shoot off guns to celebrate the New Year

CLEVELAND (AP) - Police are again urging residents not to shoot off guns to celebrate the New Year.

Cleveland police say the practice is especially dangerous in densely populated areas, and the city issued a warning against celebratory gunfire and fireworks.

Police in Kansas City, Missouri, say celebrating with gunshots at midnight is "stupid, illegal, and it endangers life and property."

In Ohio's capital city, Columbus police had a similar message, urging that "no one needs to be a victim of falling or inappropriately aimed bullets."

Such warnings are being echoed by police agencies around the country, including in Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Tampa, Florida.

The problem isn't limited to the U.S. In the Philippines, firecrackers and gunfire have hurt hundreds of people annually as Filipinos usher in the new year with a bang.