Don’t let your guard down on Bonfire Night - Chief Inspector David Happs

This week, I am taking over Chief Superintendent Sean Scott's column, as today marks the launch of Operation Crackle, which I am leading on.
With current restrictions on public gatherings due to Covid-19, Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many this yearWith current restrictions on public gatherings due to Covid-19, Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many this year
With current restrictions on public gatherings due to Covid-19, Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many this year

Operation Crackle is Edinburgh Police Division's initiative to keep the public and emergency service personnel safe during Bonfire Night and the surrounding days and supports the national Police Scotland Operation Moonbeam.

Plans for this year have been ongoing for a number of months and are focused on keeping the public as well as staff from emergency and partner services safe during this period.

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The Halloween and Bonfire period will have a different feel this year within the Capital. There are no organised firework displays and the public are advised to ensure they are adhering to current guidance at all times, including the social distancing rules set out by the Government.

With larger, organised bonfire and firework displays being cancelled I expect people will be tempted to purchase fireworks from commercial retailers in order to set them off in their own gardens.

Please be sensible and avoid having garden bonfires that could grow out of control. I also ask you consider and respect those who live near you especially those who may be vulnerable or have pets.

I recognise it has been a tough year for everyone and clearly we do not wish to spoil people’s enjoyment but it’s so important that however you celebrate, you stay safe and stick to the guidelines to keep you and others safe.

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We all have an important part to play over the coming weeks and months in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus and Bonfire period is not an excuse to let our guard down.

A number of local officers, assisted by additional national specialist resources, will be on patrol during this period to tackle any anti-social behaviour and keep people safe. There is a zero tolerance approach towards violence and threatening behaviour.

These officers will also continue to focus on Covid guidelines through engaging members of the public, explaining the guidelines and encouraging compliance with enforcement carried out only where necessary.

We are extremely fortunate that, as a single force, we can call upon specialist resource from across the country and I want to thank all of those officers who will be involved in Operation Crackle and Moonbeam in advance for their support and professionalism.

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Please remember this is an extremely busy time for officers, staff and call takers in the control rooms for each of the emergency services, therefore 999 should only be used in an emergency.

Dispersal zones will be in operation in a number of areas across the city again this year. You can see more about our plans for Bonfire period and detail on these dispersal zones in the Edinburgh Evening News and on Police Scotland social media over the coming days.

We want everyone to have a great Halloween and Bonfire Night, but please enjoy these events responsibly and help us keep you, and everyone else, safe

Chief Inspector David Happs is Local Area Commander for Northwest Edinburgh and leading on police plans for this year’s Bonfire and Halloween period across Edinburgh.