Bonfire Night offenders face full force of law

Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

By Francesco Dinardo

People in communities will be kept safe from danger during the Halloween and Bonfire night period again this year thanks to Operation Moonbeam 2026 which officially launched yesterday. Throughout the weekend of 31 October and in the run up to the night of 5 November, local policing divisions can call upon specially trained officers to respond to any violence and disorder.

Operation Moonbeam launched in 2017 after a huge increase in firework-related criminality in several parts of the country. In Edinburgh a police officer was seriously injured after being struck with a firework.

In 2023, unprecedented violence was directed at emergency services which left 62 officers injured.

Following last year’s campaign, 24 people were charged with offences. Others that were previously charged with crimes committed in 2024 have since been sentenced.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam 2026, said: “I was encouraged by the reduction in serious offending in 2025. I also recognise the support of communities across Scotland as we worked to tackle violence and disorder and keep Halloween and Bonfire Night safe and enjoyable.

“My message to anyone who thinks violence and disorder are acceptable is clear: if you choose to put the public or emergency services at risk, we will use every resource available to identify you and bring you to justice, including body-worn video and CCTV footage.” 

Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald MS added: "Recent years have seen widespread misuse of fireworks around Bonfire Night, which puts our communities and emergency services at risk, and this simply cannot be tolerated. While 2025 saw lower levels of disorder, Police Scotland remain clear action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law, and I fully support officers and the courts in tackling disorder.”

Faith Currie, Procurator Fiscal for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders, said: “Bonfire Night should be an opportunity for communities to celebrate safely. Those who choose instead to engage in violent, dangerous or disorderly behaviour can expect a robust response from the criminal justice system.”