Two men have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation to tackle disorder ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night period.
On Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, officers in West Lothian recovered 200kg of fireworks from a storage unit in East Calder.
As part of enquiries, intelligence-led searches were then carried out at properties in West Granton Road, West Pilton Lea, West Pilton Street, West Pilton Place and Bughtlin Place.
Two men, aged 18 and 25, were arrested and charged. The 18-year-old was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 24 October and the 25-year-old is scheduled to appear today, Monday, 27 October.
Detective Inspector Steven Dick from Edinburgh Division CID said: “Our enquiries suggest the large quantity of fireworks seized was intended to be used for disorder and violence over the coming weeks.
“We know the significant impact the criminal use of fireworks has had on communities, vital services and emergency workers during the last few years, and this will not be tolerated.
“Officers will continue to gather intelligence and carry out enforcement and disruption action to prevent firework-related offences and bring to justice those who intend to cause fear and injury during the Bonfire Night period.”
Anyone who has information on planned criminal activity involving fireworks can contact Police Scotland via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police Scotland is dedicating more resource than ever before to tackle crimes involving fireworks over the Bonfire Night period.
Operation Moonbeam 2025 is officially launched today – Friday, 24 October – and will once again see public order officers supporting colleagues from local policing divisions to tackle violence and disorder and protect communities from harm.
In 2024, there was a reduction in the number of serious order incidents across the country and the number of officers injured fell to one, compared with 62 in 2023.
However, the level of violence directed towards police and other emergency services was still of significant concern and additional resource is being provided to support local policing teams dealing with fireworks-related crime.
Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, following serious disorder in various parts of the country which saw one officer in Edinburgh seriously injured when she was struck by a firework.
Overall, fireworks offences have seen a reduction since this time, but an increased targeting of emergency services has prompted a more robust response to tackling these incidents.
In addition to enhanced levels of specialist support, frontline officers in Edinburgh a will be equipped with Body Worn Video, as the national roll-out of this technology continues.
This will improve opportunities to identify those involved in criminal activity during this time, including attacks on police officers and emergency service workers.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Last year, following Bonfire Night, I reflected on what was a successful policing operation that saw a reduction in serious disorder offences and a dramatic reduction in the number of officers injured.
“As part of this year’s campaign, we will shortly be publishing some compelling stories from members of Police Scotland, Lothian Busses and affected communities highlighting the significant impact being involved in, or subject to attacks with fireworks can have.
“However, we still saw unacceptable levels of violence and disorder in parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh, leaving communities in these areas in a state of fear and alarm. This was wholly unacceptable, and we immediately launched a major criminal investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Over 60 people have been reported for their involvement in fireworks offences over the Bonfire Night period for 2024. I want to make it clear our pursuit of offenders for any crimes this year will be equally unrelenting. If you chose to create fear in your community, and if you chose to attack those who are deployed to keep people safe, you will face justice.
“We will use all available technology, resources and policing tactics at our disposal to keep our people safe while they, in turn work with other emergency service partners to protect the public from harm.
“Please help us make Bonfire Night 2025 a safe event for everyone looking to enjoy it.”
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown added: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night and I urge those planning to use fireworks to do so safely and responsibly.
“Misuse of fireworks puts communities and emergency services at risk and will not be tolerated. While Police Scotland reported a reduction in serious disorder on Bonfire Night last year, the Scottish Government will continue to support the police and courts in taking firm action against those who do break the law.
“We have brought in a number of measures to improve firework safety, including a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and making attacks on emergency workers using fireworks an aggravating factor that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders. We have also provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones in local areas and a number of these will be in place this year.
“My thanks go to all the emergency services who have been working hard to ensure a safe Bonfire Night and who will again be on the front line to keep our communities safe.”
Andrew Laing, Deputy Crown Agent for Local Court at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “Those who carry out reckless and dangerous public offending throughout the period of Bonfire Night can expect to be dealt with rigorously by the justice system.
“Those deliberately putting other people in danger may be held in custody by the police, remanded by the courts, and expect to receive a custodial sentence at the conclusion of the court case.
“Anyone seeking to obstruct or attack an emergency worker will be treated with the full force of the law.
“We stand fully behind justice partners in ensuring that the public and members of the emergency services are protected at all times.
“Our message to people who carry out this type of offending is that it carries serious consequences.
“We will always prosecute such matters where there is a sufficiency of evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.”
Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray has written to all the supermarkets in South Edinburgh – and they’ve agreed to stop selling fireworks for this bonfire night following last year’s disorder.
Ian Murray explained:“Last year, many got in touch with me after the shocking scenes of fireworks disorder in our community.
“Homes and businesses were attacked, people were left frightened in their own neighbourhoods, and our emergency services were put in danger. This is why I welcome the decision by supermarkets to refrain from selling fireworks this year.
“I’m pleased that following my letter to local supermarkets, all the major stores in Edinburgh South have confirmed they will not be selling fireworks this year.
“This is a big step that will help reduce local availability and make Halloween and Bonfire Night safer for everyone, and builds on wider work across the city by Dr Scott Arthur MP in reducing firework availability.
“This is on top of new Firework Control Zones in Gilmerton and Moredun, dispersal orders to tackle anti-social behaviour, and extra police resources. The Council will also be clearing away wood and materials that could be used for illegal bonfires.
“There’s still more to do, and I’ll keep pressing the Scottish Government to give our police the resources they need. But this is real progress.
“If you have any concerns in the coming weeks, please get in touch.”
Three males have been arrested and charged following an extensive investigation into a series of housebreakings and thefts across central Scotland.
The offences occurred in the Fife, Stirling, Glasgow and West Lothian areas between 26 September and 1 October, 2025.
On Thursday, 16 October, 2025, officers executed arrest warrants at three properties in Edinburgh.
A 35-year-old man was arrested from Ferry Road, a 20-year-old man was arrested from Wester Drylaw Drive. Both have been charged in connection with several offences, including housebreaking, vehicle theft and road traffic offences.
The men were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday (Friday 17 October).
A 17-year-old male was arrested from Broomhouse Grove. He was charged with theft and released to appear at court at a later date.
Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “Crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the victims, causing them to question the safety and security of their own homes, and I would like to commend the work of the officers investigating this crime series.
“I would also like to thank the various local communities for their assistance with our enquiries to date and reassure the public that any reports of criminality will be investigated thoroughly by Police Scotland.”
POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for information after two men broke into a property in the Silverknowes area and demanded car keys from the occupant.
The incident happened around 4.10am on Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, at a house on Silverknowes Midway.
The men were wearing all black clothing, face coverings and gloves. Nothing was stolen from the property.
Enquiries so far suggest they may have had a white BMW 1 series car with black wheels.
Detective Sergeant Will Dickson said: “Fortunately, the occupant was not injured but she was left very shaken by what happened.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and we are asking anyone who saw anything, or who has private CCTV that could help, to get in touch.
“If you were driving in the area around the time of the incident, please check any dash-cam footage to see if you have captured something that could assist.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0351 of Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police Scotland have released images of two men who may be able to assist an enquiry into a serious assault which took place on West Granton Road, at around 10.15pm on Saturday, 23 August, 2025.
The first man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 35 to 45-years-old with dark hair and beard. He was wearing a black Under Armour T-shirt and Adidas jogging bottoms.
The second man, pictured below, is described as white, aged 18 to 25 years-old, wearing glasses, a black hooded top with an Adidas Original logo and black jogging bottoms.
Detective Constable William Doughty, of Corstorphine CID said: “I would encourage these men or anyone who may recognises them to get in touch.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3999 of 23 August 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
POLICE Scotland: Today marks ten years the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) launched.
The scheme provides a formal way of sharing information about a partner’s abusive past, with a potential victim.
Today marks ten years the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) launched. The scheme provides a formal way of sharing information about a partner's abusive past, with a potential victim. Find out more ➡️https://t.co/OhvClqPPyT DSDAS form ➡️ https://t.co/g8fH5otJkTpic.twitter.com/fKEzfjsiP7
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) is a way to find information about whether a person has an abusive past. This information can be used to prevent someone from experiencing domestic abuse in the future.
You can make a DSDAS application if you:
think you might be at risk of domestic abuse
are worried someone you know might be at risk of domestic abuse
We’ll only make a disclosure after we’ve considered all factors. We’ll assess the threat carefully, and we’ll decide if we need to share information to prevent a person from experiencing domestic abuse.
We may also speak to other agencies to help us make sure a disclosure is the right option.
If you’re making the application on behalf of someone else, we cannot make the disclosure to you. We can only make a disclosure to the person who is at risk to support and help protect them.
The police will act immediately if they think you or someone else needs to be protected from harm.
How to apply:
There are a few ways to apply for a domestic abuse disclosure. You can:
During Scotland’s Recycling Week, charity Crimestoppers and Network Rail Scotland uncover the hidden crimes and harms underneath waste dumping
The charity Crimestoppers Scotland has today launched a new campaign in partnership with Network Rail Scotland to highlight the impact criminal gangs are causing by dumping large-scale waste in communities.
According to figures published by Zero Waste Scotland, there are over 60,000 incidents of fly tipping reported each year in Scotland, costing over £8.9 million of public money to clear up.
Waste crime takes many different forms, including large-scale dumping, illegal waste sites, illegal burning of waste, mis-description of waste to avoid fees and landfill taxes, and illegal export of waste. It’s usually carried out by gangs and individuals who operate bogus waste services, accepting payment for disposal without having the necessary permits for transportation or storage.
Their ’waste disposal business’ can be used as a cover for other serious illegal activities, such as money laundering and modern-day slavery.
Criminals attack rural environments in a variety of ways, from significant scale illegal dumping to heritage crime. It has a detrimental impact on surrounding wildlife, livestock and communities.
Some examples of waste dumping in Scotland include:
Large scale hazardous waste posing risks to staff and the public was dumped adjacent to Glasgow’s Queen Street Railway line, causing disruption and costing thousands to clear up.
Household items such as fridges, washing machines, baths and toilets, as well as doors, windows, furniture, building rubble and bin bags, were strewn across ground beneath the M8 in the Blochairn area of Glasgow
In Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, a derelict farm was filled with an estimated 10,000 tyres. One barn at the site in Devol that is overflowing with tyres lies within a few metres of a housing estate. Tyres are classified as hazardous waste because of the polluting emissions they give off and their potential to catch fire.
Angela Parker, National Manager for charity Crimestoppers, said:“For this campaign with Network Rail Scotland, we spoke to communities affected by large scale waste dumping.
“Many people said looking at waste piles of rubbish made them feel unsafe and impacted their mental health. They were also unaware of the serious crimes waste crime dumping covers up.
“Scotland is classed as 97% rural, with rural communities in particular relying on it for business, farming and tourism.
“Waste dumping covers hidden crimes and has hidden consequences for communities, including negative effects on property values, increased crime rates and mental health issues in areas where waste dumping is prevalent.
“Often the criminals behind it are hard to identify as they typically pose as legitimate businesses. Illegally dumping waste is a lucrative business for criminal organisations, and warehouses or derelict sites are a prime target to mask this activity.
“Serious and organised waste crime is on the rise, and often on an industrial scale. We want communities and the waste industry to speak up 100% anonymously to our charity if they know or suspect who is dumping large scale waste in Scotland.”
Tell us what you know, by calling 0800 555 111 or using our online form. You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always.
Neil Cook, Route Crime Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said:“Fly-tipping is always an eyesore and a hazard, but it’s especially concerning when it happens near a railway.
“Dumped rubbish can fuel lineside fires, act as climbing aids for those trying to breach secure boundaries and often attract children and youths to play in dangerous areas – putting themselves, passengers, and rail staff at serious risk.
“That’s why we’re working closely with partners to prevent fly-tipping and catch those responsible. By tackling this issue together, we’re helping to protect our communities and ensure the railway remains safe and reliable for everyone.”
Some of the signs to look out for:
Large scale dumping of waste (such as a tipper truck dumping over 20 tonnes of waste).
Illegal waste sites.
Misdescription of waste, to avoid fees and landfill taxes.
Illegal export of waste.
Serious and intentional waste permit breaches.
Illegal burning of waste.
To pass on information about Illegal large scale waste dumping completely anonymously, visit the Crimestoppers website (Crimestoppers-uk.org).
You can fill in a safe and secure form or you can call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org.
Please note: With Crimestoppers-uk.org and Fearless.org, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them.
For telephone calls to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested and charged during a pro-active operation targeting those involved in human trafficking in Edinburgh.
A four-figure sum of cash was also seized during the search of a property in the Marchmont area and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Stevie Bertram said: “Today’s activity is part of an ongoing operation aimed at tackling those who exploit vulnerable members of our communities for their own personal gain.
“Human trafficking is despicable and our commitment to identifying those involved and bringing them to court is unwavering.
“I would urge anyone who has any knowledge about where it is happening or who may be involved to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101 or information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Type don’t tap!
Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud.
