Police launch annual operation to keep Edinburgh safe this winter with ‘visible presence’ planned
Inspector Stephen Quinn said that “officers [will be] on hand to support the public with whatever is required” during the busy festive period
Police Scotland will have a “proportionate and visible presence” in Edinburgh city centre this winter as the force launches its annual winter operation.
Operation Winter City will be taking place from Saturday, November 14 until Sunday, January 3, coinciding with the Capital’s busy Christmas and New Year period with markets and other events ongoing throughout.
A “high-visibility policing presence” will be in place to “deter crime and respond to any incidents that arise”.
The operation is being supported by the City Centre Policing Unit, which was launch with Visitor Levy funding earlier this year. Officers from neighbouring dvisions, the Retail Crime Taskforce, CID and Road Policing units will also be involved.
Officers will be undertaking dedicated foot patrols in the busiest areas, including Princes Street, George Street, High Street, and the Royal Mile, as well as shopping destinations such as Waverley Mall and St James Quarter.
Project Servator, a policing tactic which aims to disrupt any criminal activity including terrorism offences, will be carried out in addition to the main Operation Winter City. This will include the use of specially-trained officers to identify planned criminal activity at the earliest possible moment.
Inspector Stephen Quinn, Silver Commander for Operation Winter City, said: "It's always a special time to be in Edinburgh during the festive season and each year we see millions visit the Capital for shopping, nights out, or to enjoy the array of events taking place within the city centre.
"Operation Winter City ensures we have a proportionate and visible presence in the areas that see the greatest level of footfall during the coming month and we will have officers on hand to support the public with whatever is required.
"The benefit of being a national policing services means we can also flex specialist resource to support our dedicated teams working within the Capital during Christmas and New Year and I'm grateful to all of those who will be involved in Operation Winter City 2026.
"We want the public to remember the festive period spent within Edinburgh fondly, so please help us deter crime by taking simple steps to maintain your own safety and the safety of your belongings during your time here. We have a range of useful advice available on our website, and this can also be obtained by speaking to any of our officers out on patrol.
"On behalf of everyone within Edinburgh Division, I wish you all a very safe, secure and Merry Christmas."
Anyone who sees or hears something that does not feel right to them can report it online and in confidence at gov.uk/ACT, or in an emergency call 999