Tag: operation crackle

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.”

Operation Crackle: Dispersal Zones come into effect next week

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and will be enforceable between 3rd November and 5th November 2023.

These zones are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour and to keep the community safe.

Additional officers will be deployed over the weekend across the city and they have the grounds to take action should people be involved in such conduct, as detailed in the below poster.

Keep yourself and others safe by attending organised events only, which can be found here:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/…/organised…/…

Operation Crackle: Follow the Fireworks Code

We are working together with partners such as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and The City of Edinburgh Council to educate and keep everyone safe in the lead-up to bonfire night.

Where possible, attend an organised display. It is safer and will be far more impressive to look at.

#OpCrackle

We are reminding people of the dangers of fireworks as we approach Bonfire Night. Check the Fireworks Code and get essential tips on staying safe.

Downloadable leaflet: https://rb.gy/cu5jn

Web: https://firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/firework-safety/

Crackle and Moonbeam: Capital Police prepare for Bonfire Night

Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe and deter fireworks-related disorder over Bonfire Night.

Operation Crackle, which runs from today (Thursday 4th November), to Saturday 6th November, sees local officers deployed throughout the city to address the range of criminality that typically arise as a result of the antisocial use of fireworks during the bonfire period.

In advance community policing teams have been working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the City of Edinburgh Council and may other partners, to engage with young people through various channels and discuss the risks and consequences of using fireworks recklessly.

Officers have also carried out joint patrols with council Environmental Wardens and members of the fire service to carry out environmental audits and identify and safely remove any debris or materials that could be used to start bonfires.

In addition to Operation Crackle, Police Scotland has also launched its national public order response for Halloween and Bonfire Night, Operation Moonbeam.

As part of this campaign, a range of specialist and national resources will be available to Edinburgh’s officers if they are required.

The city’s dispersal zones will once again be in operation as an additional tactic to tackle and deter antisocial behaviour and disorder.

The zones will run between 4th and 6th November from 2pm to midnight each day.

Like the past four years, the zones include Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse and enable police to instruct groups of two or more people who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner in these areas to disperse.

Those who fail to comply, or fail to stay away for up to 24 hours, can face arrest.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait from Edinburgh Division said: “Last year saw unprecedented restrictions placed on the public, in terms of gatherings within their homes and gardens, as well as all public bonfire and fireworks displays being cancelled and we are yet to see the return of such events.

“If you are planning to purchase and use fireworks over the coming days and weeks then please do so responsibly and within reasonable times of the day, so as not to disturb and distress vulnerable members of our community.

“We have been working alongside our various partners in advance to mitigate against fireworks-related disorder but nevertheless, we still anticipate a very busy period for ourselves and the other emergency services.

“We are committed to keeping not only the public, but our officers and emergency service colleagues safe, and we are grateful that Operation Crackle officers will once again be supported by the specialist resources as part of Operation Moonbeam.  

“I would ask that parents and guardians have frank conversations with the young people in their care and remind them that behaving recklessly with fireworks can not only put lives at risk, but will result in arrest and a criminal record.”