Officers will be deployed over the weekend to support #WinterCity.
Whilst we want to welcome everyone and ensure a good time is had by all, your safety is our primary concern.
Please be aware of the YELLOW WEATHER WARNING issued by the Met Office which will see heavy rain and snow fall across most parts of Scotland throughout Saturday 23rd November.
Please only travel if it is safe to do so and consider postponing your visit to another date. There’s still plenty of time as #WinterCity will run until Saturday 4th January 2025.
POLICE in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe throughout the festive period.
Operation Winter City 2024 will run between 15 November, 2024 and 5 January, 2025 and will see officers provide high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance to the public who are visiting, or work within the city centre area.
Throughout the operation, local policing teams in the Capital will be supported by colleagues from neighbouring divisions and a range of specialist resources can also be called upon to provide additional assistance if required.
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “The festive period is always an exciting time in Edinburgh and the city centre is buzzing with locals and visitors Christmas shopping, socialising, and enjoying the events that are taking place over the coming weeks.
“We will have increased high-visibility patrols throughout the city centre and officers will be on hand to provide the public with any assistance they require.
“There are simple steps we can all take to stay safe during the festive period. Looking after your personal belongings when you’re in town, planning your transportation for nights out in advance, drinking responsibly and ensuring your home and any outbuildings are appropriately secured, will help prevent you from falling victim to crime, or coming into contact with the emergency services for any reason.
“Crime prevention and personal safety advice is available on our website and will be provided on our social media channels throughout Operation Winter City.
“On behalf of everyone at Edinburgh Division, have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year.”
Police in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City 2023 to keep everyone visiting, living and working in the city safe over the festive period.
Running between 17 November 2023 and 6 January 2024, dedicated officers will carry out high visibility patrols throughout the city centre to engage with the public and offer reassurance, deter criminal activity and respond to any incidents arising.
In addition to foot and mobile patrols, a “pop up” stall within Waverley Market will be in operation, with officers providing crime prevention and security advice.
Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “As always we remain committed to keeping the public in Edinburgh safe and our presence within the city centre is enhanced over the festive period.
“We want locals and visitors alike to enjoy the various attractions safely, whether that be our green and cultural spaces, entertainment venues, or retail premises.
“In addition to our dedicated patrols, officers will also be at our police stall within the Waverley Mall and will be delighted to offer a range of crime prevention and security advice. I highly recommend that people come and speak to us”
“The public have a vital role to play in helping us to ensure that their and everyone’s visit is safe and enjoyable.
“Please help us to prevent crime by reporting anything they believe to be suspicious to us, and whilst it may seem overly simple, being mindful of the whereabouts of your personal belongings, planning your transportation for nights out in advance, making sure your mobile phone is charged, drinking responsibly and looking out for those you are out with, can all help.
“We want everyone to have an enjoyable night out, and I would ask that people remain aware of their limits when drinking, so as not to ruin their or someone else’s night out through over-consumption of alcohol.
“You will undoubtedly see our officers out on patrol, engaging with licensed premises staff and keeping Edinburgh’s communities safe
“Violent or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and on a cautionary note, should you become involved in a crime linked to alcohol, we can impose ‘Think Twice’ bail conditions, which will mean that you won’t be permitted to visit another pub, club or shop that sells alcohol in the city centre until the conclusion of your trial. Please don’t take the risk.
“We will be sharing crime prevention and personal safety advice and updates on our activities, so please follow Edinburgh Police Division on Facebook or Twitter @Edinburgh Police.
“On behalf of everyone here in Edinburgh Division, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Police in Edinburgh have launched Operation Winter City, their annual campaign focused on keeping those who live, work and visit the Capital safe throughout the festive period.
The campaign, which runs between Saturday, 20 November, 2021 and Tuesday, 4 January 2022, will see local officers and specialist colleagues undertaking high visibility foot and mobile patrols within the city centre throughout this period.
With the majority of COVID restrictions now eased, it is anticipated that significant numbers of people will take the opportunity to travel into the city to shop, socialise and enjoy the attractions on offer.
This dedicated policing presence will provide public reassurance, and while officers are there to respond to any incidents, they also look forward to engaging with and offering members of the public a range of crime prevention advice.
With the return of Edinburgh’s night-time economy, specialist officers will also be visiting licensed premises to remind staff of their licensing responsibilities, with the intention of preventing and deterring criminal activity taking place within these venues.
As ever, social media will play a vital role in delivering festive safety information and should you wish to receive key messaging, please follow us on Twitter @EdinburghPolice or ‘like’ the Edinburgh Police Division Facebook page.
Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Operation Winter City’s Lead Officer, said: “Last year’s festive period proved challenging for many of us, however, with the majority of the COVID restrictions now removed, we look forward to welcoming people back into Edinburgh to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
“No different to any other time of the year, we remain focused on ensuring that everyone remains safe, and whether you have travelled in to shop, enjoy the various attractions or sample the night time economy, you will undoubtedly see our dedicated resources throughout the city centre over the coming weeks.
“In addition to offering reassurance to the public and respond to any incidents, my officers will also be offering a range of crime prevention advice, including how best to protect yourself, your home and your belongings, and I would encourage you to speak with them.
“If you plan on visiting the city centre over this period, I would advise you to plan your journey in advance, including your journey home and remember to keep hold of your belongings and purchases.
“If you are here to enjoy the night time economy, then please drink responsibly and behave considerately towards others, as highlighted officers will be providing a highly visible presence throughout the city centre area.
“But above all, Edinburgh Division wishes you and your loved ones a safe festive period.
“We will be utilising our social media channels to share crime prevention advice and broader messaging over the course of Operation Winter City, so please follow our Facebook and Twitter pages to receive this information, or, if you would prefer to view ahead of time, please visit www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information.”
Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe during the festive period.
Operation Winter City, which has been running for several years, provides those who live, work in and visit Edinburgh during Christmas and New Year, with a range of useful information aimed at preventing them from falling victim to crime or coming to the attention of police. Continue reading Police launch Operation Winter City
