Less crime

Operation Moonbeam

Following our response to fireworks related criminality and disorder in 2024, we immediately began working with partners to plan for this year’s Bonfire Night period, including a strong engagement and focused discussions with key partners and stakeholders on how we could address root causes.

I want to thank everyone who invested significant time and resource to a collaborative approach to keeping people safe over the Bonfire Night period including Scottish Government, Local Authorities, Blue-Light services, Fearless, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and third sector partners responsible for youth engagement and intervention.

Local policing divisions across the country, officers who know the complex needs and issues affecting their communities, engaged closely with partners on a range of education, intervention, prevention and diversionary initiatives aimed. at changing behaviours around the criminal use of fireworks, and supporting those within communities to make positive choices that keep the public and emergency service personnel safe.

This was supported by a compelling multi-agency communications approach to highlight the real-life impact of fireworks offences from those on the frontline, and alongside partners at Lothian Buses and Places for People.
Positive engagement was also key in building vital intelligence. Detectives recovered more than two and half tonnes worth of illegal fireworks before they could be used to commit disorder offences on Scotland's streets.

I am encouraged by a reduction in fireworks related calls to police between 31 October and 5 November at around two-thirds of the level of last year, while Scottish Fire and Rescue Service colleagues also reported a reduction in fire-related antisocial behaviour.

There were still pockets of antisocial behaviour and criminality in parts of the country and investigations continue, with a very small number of arrests made.

We continue to work to identify any further learning as we plan for 2026.

Prevent referrals

The number of referrals made to anti-extremism programme Prevent is at the highest level ever recorded in Scotland.

There were 162 referrals in 2024/25, which is an increase of 42 per cent compared to the previous year. This highlights the demand and threat we face.

Police made the highest number of referrals, followed by the education sector.

Most referrals continue to be for young men aged 15 to 20, while referrals for those under 15 are the second highest.

Prevent is a strand of the UK Government’s counter terrorism strategy. It is delivered in Scotland through a multi-agency approach, with referrals initially handled by police, and designed to put in place safeguarding and supporting measures.

Strong partnerships with communities, the education sector, local authorities and others must continue to address the underlying causes that fuel radicalisation.

Cyber Security Awareness Month

October was Cyber Security Awareness Month, and Deputy Chief Constable Bex Smith led Police Scotland’s engagement at the Futurescot Digital Justice and Policing Conference.

This was an opportunity to share the growing challenge of policing in a digital world and how Police Scotland is building capacity and capability to meet new and emerging threat, risk and harm.

DCC Smith also underlined our ethical approach to introducing new technologies.

Officers from our Cybercrime Harm Prevention team held an exhibition space, engaging with the community and promoting the benefits of the Police CyberAlarm, a free tool for businesses and organisations funded by the Home Office and offered by UK police forces.

Since launch, it has identified over a billion suspicious events, resulting in reports and advice being given to members, enabling them to take action to prevent a successful attack.

Operation Winter City

Edinburgh Division's annual campaign to keep the public safe over the festive period officially launched for 2025 on Friday, 14 November, to coincide with the opening of the winter market and other festive attractions.
Crime prevention is at the forefront of the planning and officers will engage with the public, offer reassurance, provide advice on keeping safe, as well as responding to any incidents that may arise.

High-visibility police patrols within the city-centre will take place throughout Operation Winter City and officers will also be liaising with retailers and licensed premises.

Police Scotland will also be making Project Servator deployments to target and prevent criminal activity, including terrorism. Project Servator has been successful in gathering intelligence and has helped Counter Terrorism Units investigate and prevent acts of terror.