community safety – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

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.”

Guy Fawkes Night: Firework Safety

Planning to enjoy fireworks this Bonfire Night? Stay safe and look out for those around you.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an organised public display.

If you’re celebrating at home:

Only adults should handle fireworks

Keep children at a safe distance

Take extra care with sparklers

Always follow the Firework Code

Remember that fireworks can be distressing for animals and for people with sensory sensitivities

For more information on the firework laws and safety tips check out Scottish Fire and Rescue Service .

If an accident happens, you’ll find advice on treating both mild and severe burns on #NHSinform

SEARCH: ‘NHS INFORM BURNS’

Man arrested and charged after large quantity of fireworks seized in Edinburgh

A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a large quantity of fireworks, with a retail value of more than £5000, was seized in Edinburgh.

Around 9.30pm on Wednesday, 4 November, officers acting on intelligence stopped a van on London Road.

Following a search, 200kgs of fireworks were recovered with some capable of firing 555 individual rockets.

The 39-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with possession of fireworks in a public place and is due to appear in court at a later date.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “It is an offence to buy, possess, or use fireworks without a valid licence and anyone caught doing so may face fines, seizure of items and potential prosecution.

“There was huge potential for these fireworks to be distributed around the city for the purposes of causing disorder. The misuse of fireworks presents a significant risk to the public and emergency personnel, and can result in serious injury, fires and damage to properties.

“Officers will continue to carry out enquiries in the Edinburgh area to detect and disrupt the illegal sale or use of fireworks, and we remain committed to working with partner agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We rely on intelligence from the local communities, and anyone with information about planned disorder or concerns about fireworks is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

‘No Place for Knives’ campaign launches in London hotspots

Campaign to deter knife crime in London knife crime hotspots to appear over billboards, digital advertising, and social media across Westminster and Croydon

Criminals in two London hotspots are being warned of a step-up in police action in a new Home Office knife crime campaign launching today.

The ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign will be piloted in parts of Westminster and Croydon, with adverts appearing at tube stations, bus stops and on social media – as well as a mural at Boxpark Croydon.

They will raise awareness of increased police activity, including, smarter metal detection, rapid response e-bikes, extra foot patrols and live facial recognition. The campaign is also being piloted in Birmingham city centre.

Developed by the Home Office with police and local authorities, the campaign targets those most at risk of committing knife crime.

These areas, along with 16 other boroughs in Greater London, have received over £8.1 million of funding through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentrations Fund to roll out targeted interventions to tackle knife crime. As well as the enforcement measures featured in the campaign adverts, it also covers prevention approaches such as youth outreach and visible local safety patrols in busy night-time economy areas.

Recent figures show knife crime has fallen 11% since the General Election, while knife-related homicides have fallen by 25% and knife-enabled robbery is down by 18%. In London, knife crime has fallen by 14% over the same period, while knife-related homicides have fallen by 34% and knife-enabled robbery is down by 19%.

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said: “Everyone in Westminster and Croydon deserves to feel safe on their streets. We know that hearing of knife crime incidents happening in your city can have the opposite effect and we want to stop that.

“We’re working with police to target knife crime where it causes the greatest harm, using intelligence and cutting-edge technology to make our communities safer.

‘No Place for Knives’ sends a clear message: action is being taken and we will not accept people putting young lives and our communities at risk.”

The campaign forms part of the Government’s wider mission to halve knife crime in a decade, combining tougher enforcement with prevention and early intervention to protect young people and make communities safer.

Commander Pete Stevens of the Metropolitan Police said: “We know the devastating impact knife crime has – not just on families who have lost loved ones but on entire communities. Our officers work tirelessly to combat this senseless violence, proactively directing our resources towards the people who pose the most risk.

“These tactics are working. In the last financial year knife-enabled crime fell by 14.9 per cent across London and over the last five years the number of people hospitalised after being attacked with a sharp weapon has fallen by 29 per cent.

“We will continue to target violent criminals who threaten our communities. Every knife removed and every suspect arrested has the potential to prevent serious harm or save a life.”

Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We know that knife crime can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities.

I”f someone has information about knife carrying violence but is worried about being identified, our charity provides a way to speak up completely anonymously.

“By sharing information, communities can help prevent harm, protect young people and contribute to safer neighbourhoods.”

Patrick Green, CEO of Hackney-based Ben Kinsella Trust said: “Every young person deserves to feel safe without feeling the need to carry a knife. We therefore welcome the Home Office’s ‘No Place for Knives’ campaign and its contribution to the wider effort to reduce knife crime and protect young lives.

“A particular strength of ‘No Place for Knives’ is that it has drawn on young people’s input during its development. Young people understand better than anyone the pressures, anxieties and misconceptions that can lead to knife carrying.

“By listening to young people and reflecting their experiences in the campaign, the Home Office has created a stronger and more authentic platform for encouraging safer choices and preventing violence.”

Police praise public spirit during Halloween 2026

Police Scotland has thanked communities across the country for making sure Halloween 2026 passed without serious incident.

In total 144 calls relating to fireworks were received on Saturday, 31 October, compared to 160 during 2025 – a reduction of 10 per cent.

Specialist officers were on hand to support local policing teams during their attendance at various reports of antisocial behaviour during the evening, however, there were no offences arising that required a specific public order response.

In Tranent, Bonnyrigg and Glasgow there were reports of fireworks being lit in the street and some were thrown at members of the public. Inquiries to identify those involved are ongoing.

Officers in Edinburgh also responded to a report of a disturbance at a house party in the Ratho area of the city. This incident was not related to the criminal or antisocial use of fireworks.

There were no reports of officers involved in tonight’s operation having been injured.

Seven Dispersal Orders were issued in Edinburgh. There were no charges for breaches of Firework Control Zones.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “The overwhelming majority of Scotland’s communities have celebrated Halloween in the proper spirit and I’m really grateful for the support of our efforts tonight to deter criminality, respond to reports of disorder and protect the public and emergency services from harm.

“Sadly, however, we have again experienced incidents of fireworks used as projectiles at buildings, vehicles and members of the public.

“I will say again, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has to stop before there are serious consequences.

“Investigations into these offences will be launched immediately to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, but I want to recognise and celebrate the outstanding behaviour and co-operation most of those within our communities have demonstrated tonight.

“Moonbeam resources will continue to support local policing teams all over the country throughout the next week wherever they are required and whenever reports of fireworks-related crime are received, we will respond swiftly and proportionately.”

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

‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ marks a decade of keeping Britain’s railways safe

Almost 83,000 crimes have been recorded through the 61016 number since the public safety campaign launched in 2016

‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign marks 10 years, having helped prompt over 1.5 million texts to British Transport Police, leading to almost 83,000 crimes recorded
passengers using 61016 led to 175,000 police deployments over the past decade, showing how a single text can lead to an arrest, investigation and conviction
government work under nationalisation puts passengers at the heart of transport, with £17 million to improve CCTV at stations, and the British Transport Police receiving a £63 million boost over 3 years – funding over 200 additional officers

Passengers have helped the British Transport Police record almost 83,000 crimes over the past decade by texting 61016, according to new figures released today, as the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign reaches its tenth anniversary.

Since its launch in 2016, the campaign has become one of the most recognised public safety messages in the country, encouraging passengers to trust their instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right to the British Transport Police.

This has led to real action – more than 200,000 texts are now sent to the British Transport Police each year using 61016, and last year saw an almost tenfold increase since the campaign was launched in 2016. These texts alone – more than 1.5 million exchanged over the last 10 years – have led to more than 175,000 police deployments across the rail network.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “We’re committed to making our railways safe, and for a decade, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has played a vital role in doing this, supporting the British Transport Police, transforming how people report crimes and issues across the network.

“Almost 83,000 crimes have been recorded through the 61016 number – proof that reporting leads to real action, showing the difference passengers can make simply by speaking up.”

Over 60% of people say they feel safer because of visible security measures when travelling and ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ is mandated across every train operator and station in England, Scotland and Wales, making it one of the most visible and widely deployed public safety campaigns in the country.

While the campaign is primarily a counter-terrorism campaign, it has evolved as a way of promoting the 61016 number, giving people another way to report a wide range of other crimes and safety issues to the British Transport Police.

This includes an incident in March 2025, where a passenger on a train to London Euston witnessed a man viewing graphic child abuse material on his phone and discreetly reported it by texting 61016.

Officers intercepted the train, arrested the man and he was sentenced to over 2 years in prison – showing the difference a single text can make to bring offenders to justice.

British Transport Police Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi, said: “For 10 years, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has encouraged passengers to report anything that doesn’t feel right, helping raise awareness of British Transport Police’s 61016 text service, which now receives more than 25,000 messages each month.

“The free, discreet service allows passengers to report crime, suspicious behaviour and sexual harassment directly to us, enabling swift action to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice. The public are our eyes and ears on the railway and their vigilance continues to play a vital role in helping keep the network safe.”

The Westminster government is committed to making sure our railways are safe, and the British Transport Police are receiving an extra £63 million in funding over 3 years for 200 more officers, including 36 officers as part of a new team dedicated specifically to reducing violence and intimidation against women and girls.

This is alongside a £17 million investment to improve CCTV at stations, and for the first time rail operators are being assessed on their commitments to tackle violence against women and girls.

Edinburgh residents urged to celebrate Bonfire Night safely

Following a successful approach last year, when events passed without serious incident, the Council is stepping up preparations to help ensure this year’s fireworks season is safe and enjoyable.

The Council is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, follow firework safety advice and attend an organised fireworks display wherever possible. Organised events provide an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of Bonfire Night while reducing the risks associated with fireworks being set off in streets and residential areas.

Firework Control Zones will be in place across 14 areas of the city from 30 October to 8 November, prohibiting the use of fireworks within designated zones, including on private property.

These zones are designed to address concerns about the dangerous misuse of fireworks and to protect vulnerable people, animals, and the environment.

These measures will be supported by Police Scotland’s Dispersal Zones and other enforcement activity, forming part of a coordinated approach to preventing disorder and protecting the public.

Working with schools, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Council has been supporting education throughout the year to help young people understand the risks associated with fireworks and make safer choices. Funding for youth programmes and alternative activities will also provide positive opportunities for young people to spend time together.

Council teams and community volunteers are also taking practical steps to reduce risks in neighbourhoods. This includes clearing hazardous materials, tackling fly-tipping, checking known hotspots and coordinating CCTV to help prevent items being used to start dangerous fires.

Residents are also being asked to consider neighbours who may be particularly vulnerable to loud noise and to report dangerous or anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Bonfire Night should be a chance for families and communities to come together and enjoy a much-loved tradition. Residents should be able to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, knowing that everything possible is being done to reduce the risks associated with fireworks season.

L”ast year showed what can be achieved when the Council, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and our community partners work together. We saw a real difference, with events passing without serious incident, and we want to build on that progress this year.

“We know that most people want to celebrate responsibly. However, the dangerous actions of a minority can put lives at risk, disrupt local services and cause real distress to residents. We will not allow that behaviour to spoil Bonfire Night for our communities.

“Preparations are well underway, from Firework Control Zones and targeted enforcement to education, youth activities and practical work to tackle hazards in our neighbourhoods. We are doing everything we can to help keep Edinburgh safe, and we’re asking residents to play their part too.

“We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe. Please think about the impact your actions can have on others, follow the safety advice, and report dangerous behaviour when you see it.

“By working together, we can build on last year’s progress and help make Bonfire Night a positive occasion for the whole city.

Chief Superintendent Helen Harrision, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: As we approach the 5 November, we are working closely with partners to ensure Edinburgh’s communities remain safe.“

“Our priority is to make sure that residents can enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, whilst robustly tackling the minority of those who choose to engage in dangerous, disruptive, or antisocial behaviour.

“In collaboration with stakeholders, we have delivered and supported a range of engagement events, diversionary activities, and awareness-raising sessions with a view to preventing criminal activity during Bonfire Night. However, we know from previous years that a small number of individuals will view this period as an opportunity to cause disorder.

“Attacks on emergency services are completely unacceptable. Our officers along with fire and ambulance crews work tirelessly to keep the city’s communities safe. Any violence, hostility, or reckless behaviour will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held to account.

“Our own local policing teams will be supported by specialist resource as part of Operations Moonbeam and Amberlight and will be ready to respond as required.”

Residents can visit the Council website for further information about Firework Control Zones, safety advice and organised fireworks displays.

Firework Control Zones come into force today

From 30 October – 8 November, 14 Edinburgh areas will be Firework Control Zones.

Setting off fireworks will be illegal in these zones, even on private property.

Check the interactive map: https://orlo.uk/k1c9L

Offences can carry a £5,000 fine or up to 6 months custodial sentence.

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.”