Bonfire Night 2020: Nine ‘dispersal zones’ will be set up in Edinburgh as deterrent to anti-social behaviour as public warned about garden fireworks

Police have set up nine dispersal zones across the city this year to combat any antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period.

The zones cover Muirhouse, Portobello, Loganlea, West Pilton, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southouse and officers will be operating in these areas between 2pm and midnight from Wednesday, November 4 to Saturday, November 7.

This year, with organised Bonfire Night events being cancelled as a result of Covid-19, police will be patrolling the city to identify illegal bonfires and deal with any breaches of current coronavirus rules.

Chief Inspector David Happs, who is leading police plans for this year’s Bonfire and Halloween period across Edinburgh, told the Edinburgh Evening News the dispersal zones have been decided based on incidents reported in previous years with the purpose of serving as a “deterrent.”

Police dispersal zones were introduced in Edinburgh in 2018 after bonfire night mayhem the year before.

He said: “We want to deter or detect any criminality or anti-social behaviour and provide the appropriate responses and it will be very much a zero tolerance approach to any forms of criminality.

"We know that the vast majority of those who purchase fireworks do so in order to enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly. However, a small minority use the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to get involved in disorder and commit acts of violence and damage.

"Let me make it clear, that such behaviour is not acceptable and if you are involved in criminality involving fireworks, you can expect to be arrested. If not on the night, then as we carry out follow-up inquiries.”

Local officers will also be able to call upon specialist resources - including the option of police with riot shields - to respond to anti-social behaviour although the primary focus will be on community engagement.

The dispersal zones 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.

Police are also asking parents and guardians to have frank conversations with young people in their care and remind them to behave in a manner that does not put themselves, or others, at risk of harm.

Fireworks sales

Mounting public concern over the availability and use of fireworks in recent years has coincided with large retailers scaling back on promoting them, including Sainsbury’s which stopped selling fireworks across its UK stores in 2019.

Chief Insp Happs says they are aware of “several” recent anti-social incidents of people setting off fireworks in parks across Edinburgh - both during the day and at night - but that the numbers are consistent with previous years.

When asked if police would like to see further changes on the regulation of fireworks sales, he said: “We are aware of a large number of retailers that have stepped back from selling fireworks and aware of a Scottish Government review in terms of legislation.

“We engage with retailers selling fireworks to make sure they are being sold responsibly and work with Trading Standards to do that.

“We understand organised displays are not happening this year and I would certainly ask retailers to act responsibly and people using fireworks do so responsibly and avoid the anti-social use of them which can cause harm.”

‘We would urge caution’

Chief Insp Happs also stressed this year’s Halloween and Bonfire period will be different because of Covid and understands that some people “may be tempted” to have small, private displays and urged them to do these “responsibly.”

He also urged people to be considerate of those living nearby, particularly more vulnerable people and those with pets.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Edinburgh area commander, Kenny Rogers, said there were 2,300 emergency callouts recorded across Scotland in the lead up to Bonfire Night last year.

He said it was “difficult to say” whether there will be any increase in incidents this year, but said: "This Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many of us.

"We know that many organised public displays have been cancelled due to Covid-19 and that some may consider private use of fireworks in their gardens.

"We would urge caution over the private use of fireworks and remind people that these items can pose grave dangers.

"If you are planning on using fireworks in a private setting, please familiarise yourself with our Fireworks Code before purchasing. It is designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

"I would like to stress that this is our busiest night of the year and that we must maintain a capacity to respond to emergencies.

"Last year we saw a large spike in deliberate fire-setting and this can divert firefighters away from genuine emergencies, where lives may be at risk."

More safety advice can be found here.