Tag: antisocial behaviour

Relief for communities as fewer major Bonfire Night incidents reported

The largest policing operation since the visit of President Trump has now concluded. Operation Amberlight saw specialist police resources support local policing teams across the country respond to Bonfire Night disorder, while also policing the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and a potential protest in the East End of Glasgow.

In total, 1024 fireworks-related calls were received between 31 October and 5 November this year. While this is an increase from the 833 calls received in 2025, there has been reduction in the number of incidents requiring a specialist public order response across the country.

During the evening officers in Edinburgh responded to Oxgangs Road North at around 5pm after a group created a blockade in the road and set it alight.

Police in attendance were then targeted with fireworks and Operation Amberlight resources responded in support. The group made off from the area.

There were also incidents of police and public vehicles having fireworks thrown at them in the Gracemount and Gilmerton areas of the city.

Similar offences occurred in Clydebank around 6pm where there were reports of members of the public having had fireworks thrown at them. When officers attended, they were also targeted.

At around 7.55pm, police in Glasgow responded alongside the Scottish Ambulance service to a report of an injured male in Greenside Street.

During this time both crews were attacked with fireworks, resulting in a police vehicle being set alight and seriously damaged. One police officer and an ambulance staff member sustained minor injuries during this time.

Operation Amberlight specialist resources were deployed, and a 16-year-old male was arrested.

Following reports of a significant group of individuals gathering in the Kirkton area of Dundee and setting illegal fires, Operation Amberlight resources were made available to support local officers but were not required and subsequently stood down.

A proportionate policing response was also in place for the Celtic vs Besiktas Europa League match and this event also passed without serious incident.

There was no resource required in relation to information circulating online in relation to a planned protest in Glasgow.

Between 5.30pm and 11.30pm the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received over 800 calls relating to fireworks and bonfires.

During this time there were also attacks on crews deployed to the Castlemilk and Knightswood areas of Glasgow, Cummnock in Ayrshire, Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, and Blackridge, West Lothian.

There were no injuries to fire service personnel and no serious damage to their appliances.

In Edinburgh 21 Dispersal Orders were issued, with 13 issued in Glasgow. No one was charged in relation to any breaches of Firework Control Zones.

In total, seven arrests were made during the evening of Thursday, 5 November and investigations into the offences that occurred across the country will now begin. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Amberlight said: “Our policing operation covering the Halloween and Bonfire Night has been one of the most complex and demanding deployments in recent memory involving the largest number of officers the visit of President Trump in 2025.

“While we have seen a rise in the overall number of calls relating to fireworks incidents between Halloween and Bonfire Night 2026, when compared to last year, I am encouraged by the reduction in serious incidents requiring us to mobilise specialist resources during this time.

“The communities of Scotland have overwhelmingly showed their commitment to enjoying both Halloween and Bonfire Night in the proper spirit. Furthermore, the collaboration and readiness from our key partners to stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside us during the planning and delivery of this operation has been exceptional.

“Nevertheless, we have seen, yet again, an unacceptable number of incidents where the police and our emergency service colleagues have been attacked with fireworks and other projectiles. This resulted in one of our officers and a colleague from the Scottish Ambulance Service sustaining minor injuries.

“This simply must stop. Police officers, ambulance staff and firefighters and there to protect communities – not the be the target of violence. The behaviour we saw tonight resulted in an ambulance colleague sustain a minor injury and left one of our own vehicles badly damaged, meaning it is out of service for use within our communities.

“I want to make it clear that thorough investigations will now take place to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Despite these challenges, however, I do want to recognise the outstanding support we’ve seen from the majority of the public, both in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night and on the evenings themselves.

“It’s been heartening to see the positive level of community engagement and in many instances, this has led to vital intelligence, which helped seize significant quantities of fireworks before they could be used for criminal activity and to disrupt the activities of those planning to involve themselves in disorder.”

Police: Celebrate Safely

For Halloween and Bonfire Night, we’re asking everyone to celebrate safely 🎆

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle are now in place across Edinburgh (30 Oct – 5 Nov) to help prevent anti-social behaviour and protect our communities.

Let’s all do our part to keep Edinburgh safe — attend organised firework events only:

https://orlo.uk/nmY7j

#TomorrowWeStillLiveHere

#KeepingPeopleSafe

#PoliceScotland

Alex Cole-Hamilton welcomes police action on e-bikes

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and MSP for Edinburgh Northwestern, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has welcomed targeted action by Police in North West Edinburgh this week.

Cole-Hamilton thanked officers who successfully seized three Sur-Ron bikes as part of a ‘day of action’, as well as weapons, two motorcycles and mobile phones.

Police Officers carried out a day of action in the North West of Edinburgh, executing 2 warrants as part of ongoing enquiries into motor vehicle thefts and serious assaults.

During their execution, officers seized:

– 3 Sur-Ron bikes

– 2 Motorcycles

– Weapons

– Mobile Phones

– Various vehicle keys and V5 documentation

Two individuals were traced, arrested and charged in connection with the enquiries.

Further inquiries are ongoing into the items seized.

A third individual was also traced during the enquiries and arrested on his 11 outstanding warrants.

The action comes as a petition lodged to the Scottish Parliament by Liberal Democrat councillor for Almond, Lewis Younie, calling on the Scottish Government to give Police Scotland and local councils additional resources to tackle dangerous, high-powered motorbikes and electric bikes on local footpath networks.

Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “People in Edinburgh are lucky to have an extensive and growing network of cycle paths connecting our communities but navigating them has become intimidating and dangerous due to high-speed, illegally modified e-bikes frequently appearing on our routes.

“We have all seen the dangers these e-bikes cause, including, in some tragic cases, fatalities and serious injuries that impact numerous lives.

“Bikes capable of excessive speeds without pedalling are not permitted on public footpaths under current law, but without adequate resources, enforcement has been an uphill battle.

“To give residents permanent confidence on their local paths, the Scottish Government must back our police forces with dedicated resources to crack down on illegal sellers, intercept dangerous riders, and keep our public spaces safe for everyone.

“I warmly welcome Police Scotland’s targeted action in Edinburgh Northwestern this week and thank local officers for their hard work.”

The link to the petition can be found HERE

Your anonymous information could help prevent Bonfire Night attacks on emergency crews

Crimestoppers and Fearless Scotland launch annual ‘Speak Up Stay Safe’ campaign

Independent charity Crimestoppers and its youth programme Fearless Scotland are today launching their annual Bonfire Night safety campaign, urging people to speak up 100% anonymously if they know about planned attacks on emergency crews or deliberate fire-raising in their communities.

The campaigns – supported by the Scottish Government – also highlights the law around fireworks misuse, Firework Protection Zones, and, crucially, encourages people to speak up 100% anonymously about fire-raising.

Last year’s Crimestoppers’ campaign generated a wealth of information given anonymously to the charity which helped prevent at least three extremely serious, potentially life-threatening attacks on emergency crews in Scotland.

In particular, the annual campaign is asking for information on:
 

–      Who and where organised attacks are being planned

–      Where fireworks and weapons are being stored/stock-piled

–      Who is responsible for deliberate fire-raising

Crimestoppers’ campaign aims to encourage reporting from the public about any planned attacks and additionally help gather information after bonfire night about who was responsible.

Communities who experienced an increase in firework attacks will be equipped with leaflets, posters and banners to raise awareness of the law around fireworks misuse and to encourage anonymous reporting about about who is responsible.

Angela Parker, National Manager of Crimestoppers in Scotland, said: “Our charity believes everyone has the right to feel safe, no more so than Scotland’s emergency services who risk their lives to keep us safe.

“Information from last year prevented a serious attack on our emergency services. That’s why we are asking anyone with information on those planning attacks to get in touch with our charity 100% anonymously.

“No-one will ever know you contacted us, and your information could be preventing serious injury or harm or even loss of life for emergency workers.”

Kirsten Oswald MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and I would urge anyone planning to use fireworks to do so responsibly.

“The emergency services play a vital role in keeping us all safe and any assaults on them will not be tolerated. Measures brought in in 2022 mean attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are now aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders.

“Other steps we have taken to improve firework safety include bringing in a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s.

 “If you have information about any activity that might put emergency workers or communities at risk as Bonfire Night approaches, please get in touch with Crimestoppers by phone or on their website. You can do this anonymously and you could be helping to keep our 999 crews and your neighbours safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “While most people enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly, there are those who seek to target police officers and other emergency service workers with fireworks and other projectiles, putting them at serious risk of harm while they attempt to keep communities safe.

“We saw a number of these incidents occur last year, resulting in over 60 officers being injured and this is entirely unacceptable.

“If you are found to be involved in an offence that puts police officers, other emergency service workers, or the general public at risk of harm you will be brought to justice, either on the night or during our follow-up inquiries.

“I would encourage anyone who has information about planned Bonfire Night criminality to report, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.

“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make Bonfire Night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to contact us directly via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Watt said:  “Last year, our crews came under attack on nine occasions within an eight-hour period. Our staff work tirelessly over the Bonfire period to keep people safe, and do not deserve to be attacked for doing their job.

They should be able to carry out their role without being hurt or having appliances and equipment damaged by reckless anti-social behaviour. 

“These actions are also an unnecessary drain on emergency service resources. We want to bring any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion – please respect our staff and all emergency services.”

Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “We know this time of year is about fun and celebration, but let’s not forget that those on the frontline, our ambulance crews should never have to worry about their own safety while they care for others.

“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing cases of our staff facing physical assaults and verbal abuse, often driven by too much drinking. These are dedicated professionals who deserve respect, not hostility. So, have a great night, enjoy the festivities, but please, treat our staff and emergency service partners with respect.”

Operation Crackle: Two sentenced for 2024 fireworks offences

Two men who were involved in significant disorder during Halloween and Bonfire Night 2024 have been sentenced.

On the 31 October, Jamie Hogg was part of a group of individuals who caused significant damage to the outside of Moredun House, Marytee House, Little France House and Castleview House, Craigour Green, Edinburgh by smashing 45 windows, causing approximately £50,000 worth of damage.

This group were also involved in setting off fireworks towards members of the public.

On the 5 November, Jamie Hogg and Kevin Lankiewicz smashed windows of a convenience store on Moredun Park Road, Edinburgh and set off fireworks towards members of the public and vehicles causing significant disruption to the community.

As a result of inquiries conducted by Edinburgh officers as part of Operation Crackle, the pair were subsequently arrested and charged in November 2024 and thereafter sentenced on 15 September 2026.

Jamie Hogg, who is now 19, was given an 18-month custodial sentence, while 22-year-old Kevin Lankiewicz was given a Restriction of Liberty Order that prohibits him leaving his home address between 7pm and 5am each day.

Supt Neil Wilson from Edinburgh Division said: “In 2024 we saw various incidents of unacceptable disorder and violence across the city during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and both Hogg and Lankiewicz played a significant role in the offences experienced within the Moredun area.

“Extensive evidence was gathered prior to their arrests, and this subsequently resulted in their conviction and sentencing, which is a timely reminder ahead of Bonfire Night 2026 that we will utilise all resources at our disposal to bring those responsible for such offences to justice.”

FLY Festival: Eight arrests following disorder in city centre

Eight people were arrested following disorder in Edinburgh city centre over the weekend.

Officers policing the FLY Festival music event at Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September, 2026, were faced with a large number of youths attempting to breach the perimeter fencing, involved in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and assaults.

On Saturday, four males, aged 15, 17, 18 and 27, were arrested and charged in connection with offences including assault, breach of the peace and misuse of drugs.

On Sunday, males, aged 12, 18, 18 and 20, were also arrested in connection with similar offences.

Reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities and enquiries remain ongoing into the disorder.

Superintendent Neil Wilson said: “While the majority of people came along to the event in good spirits and without incident, there were others intent on gaining entry without tickets, involved in disorder and violence, and trespassing on the railway line. Bus transport was also disrupted as officers dealt with various incidents.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable, dangerous and will not be tolerated. Everyone should be able to attend the city centre without fear of intimidation or harm at the hands of those who cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.

“While there have been eight arrests, further enquiries are ongoing to trace others involved in the disorder. I’d appeal to anyone who has information or footage which could assist us to come forward.”

If you can help, please call 101 quoting reference 1161 of Saturday, 12 September, 2026. Alternatively, you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police Scotland: Early success for City Centre Policing Unit

49 ARRESTS IN FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION

Almost 50 people have been arrested by officers from our new City Centre Policing Unit during their first month of operations.

From 1 to 31 July, a total of 49 individuals were arrested and 114 charges brought against them for a range of offences within the city centre during proactive patrols and reactive responses undertaken by the unit.

The CCPU officially launched on 2 July 2026, supported by funding from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Visitor Levy.

Over the last month over 2,300 hours of patrols by CCPU officers have taken place to engage with members of the public and businesses within the city-centre, respond to intelligence relating to criminal activity and provide a high-visibility presence to deter offending.

In addition to the arrests, two Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for antisocial behaviour and a further 20 Recorded Police Warnings were handed out for incidents that did not require arrests to be made.

A total of 208 youth interactions were carried out to engage with young people visiting the city centre and build strong relationships with this demographic to help deter offences such as antisocial behaviour.

Extensive work has also been done to tackle street drinking in the Hunters Square area, with alcohol seized on 47 occasions.

Throughout August, CCPU officers will play a pivotal role in policing the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe to offer reassurance to the increased number of people within the city-centre and respond to any incidents that arise during this time.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, who leads the City Centre Policing Unit, said: “Our first month has been immensely challenging but extremely rewarding, as CCPU officers set about providing benefit to Edinburgh’s city centre.

“Extensive support from the CCPU was provided to staffing the cordons required to keep the public safe following the significant fire on Princes Street and this meant that resources that would previously have been required from other parts of the city were able to continue with their normal duties.

“Despite the demands of the fire, we have also been successful in tackling some of the key issues affecting the city-centre, including shop theft, antisocial behaviour and disorder.

“Working alongside key partners such as our colleagues at the Retail Crime Taskforce, Simon Community Scotland, Street Assist and representatives from the night-time economy, we continue to tackle hotspot areas and improve confidence in the policing response to ongoing problems.

“We’re under no illusion that more work needs to be done and we will continue to build on the success of our first month as we strive to make Edinburgh’s city-centre as safe as possible for all of those who live, work and visit the area.”

‘It’ll Cost You’: Spotlight on Buying Booze for Youngsters

The crime of buying booze for youngsters came under the spotlight in Kilmarnock this week (July 29th).

Scottish Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald MSP visited the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock to see for herself how retailers, alcohol producers and Police Scotland have come together to drive home the message that buying alcohol for under-18s could land someone a fine, jail time or both. 

The “It’ll Cost You’ Campaign is delivered by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, Police Scotland and Community Alcohol Partnerships.

The event at the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock demonstrated the unique partnership working between the alcohol industry, retailers, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the police in tackling underage drinking and youth disorder. 

Asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18.

This is known as proxy purchase. Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000 or three months in jail. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said: “It was valuable to see first-hand how the ‘It’ll Cost You’ campaign brings together retailers, Police Scotland, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the alcohol industry to tackle proxy purchasing and help prevent underage drinking.

“Buying alcohol for anyone under 18 is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. It can put young people at risk of harm, increase their vulnerability, and contribute to antisocial behaviour.

“While awareness is growing, proxy purchasing remains an issue in our communities and I urge anyone considering it to think carefully about the consequences for themselves and the young person involved.”

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland said: “When young people access alcohol, it can become a factor in violence and increased vulnerability. Buying alcohol for underage people is dangerous and it’s a criminal offence which can result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both. Don’t buy alcohol for young people.”

Grace O’Keeffe, Corporate Affairs Manager Asda said: “Asda is pleased to be supporting the ‘It’ll Cost You’ proxy purchase campaign.

“As a responsible retailer we want to play our part in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “The success of initiatives such as Challenge 25 have helped reduce the number of direct sales of alcohol to under 18s, but young people are increasingly accessing alcohol by other means.

“Asking an adult to buy alcohol for them is one of the most common tactics used. The It’ll Cost You campaign helps to tackle this.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership, said: “Proxy purchase continues to be a challenge across Scotland.

“This campaign highlights the dangers and penalties that can result from adults buying alcohol for young people.”

Strengthening Football Banning Orders

Improving match experience for all

Courts will be given tougher powers to impose Football Banning Orders (FBOs) in Scotland to include specific offences in an effort to improve the matchday experience and safety at games.

It comes as the analysis of a consultation on FBO legislation has published.

There were 903 responses to the consultation, with organisations such as the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland supporting an extension of the use of FBOs. Whilst a majority of fans who responded expressed concerns about expanding FBOs, fans also raised concern around the increase in the use of pyrotechnics and some reported witnessing serious incidences of inappropriate behaviour.

In response, Ministers will introduce legislation in the Scottish Parliament which will include targeted and specific measures to strengthen FBOs to cover behaviour such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and throwing missiles.

Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “The vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and are a credit to their clubs.

“However, a small minority are compromising the fan experience and the safety of players, officials and all in attendance through anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“Recent high profile incidents involving pitch invasions and the continued use of pyrotechnics demonstrate the challenges the police, football authorities and clubs face and have to deal with. This is why we will give courts more effective powers through Football Banning Orders to target dangerous and abusive behaviour.

“Football is our national sport, and we want to make sure it is a safe and enjoyable environment for all and that is what we aim to achieve by introducing legislation.”

Football Banning Orders were introduced in Scotland as part of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006.

Currently in Scotland, an FBO is available to the courts when three factors are present:

  • A person is convicted of an offence which involved the person engaging in ‘violence or disorder’;
  • The offence was related to a football match; and
  • The court considers that making an FBO would help prevent ‘violence or disorder’ at or in connection with football matches

Football Banning Orders Analysis of Consultation Responses – gov.scot

Stronger North: crackdown on crime in North Edinburgh

THIS STORY APPEARED ON THIS DAY IN 2017 – Ed.

Police have been conducting Stronger North activity in the North Edinburgh area over the past week. Officers have made 42 arrests and executed seven misuse of drugs warrants since last Monday. Over the last week £9000 worth of drugs have been recovered in the area, along with seven stolen motorcycles and one stolen car. Seventeen vehicles have also […]

Stronger North: crackdown on crime in North Edinburgh