Edinburgh Christmas Market opens as police step up festive patrols

Christmas festivities have returned to Edinburgh, with police stepping up patrols as part of a seasonal safety operation.

More than 90 stalls have opened at the Christmas Market, which is expected to attract around three million visitors this year.

Market organisers confirmed they are working closely with authorities to ensure the capital’s festivities remain safe.

Unique Assembly co-director Alan Thomson said: “We have to work with Police Scotland, the local authority and emergency services. One of our roles here is to make sure the public who are coming, staff and suppliers are in a safe environment.

“Our annual planning takes into account all of those and the infrastructure we have to put in throughout the city centre to make sure people are safe while visiting the attractions.”

Measures include extensive CCTV, security staff and high-visibility police patrols, deployed as part of Police Scotland’s annual festive safety campaign, Operation Winter City.

Council leader Jane Meagher said “Our imperative is to keep people safe. We work together with Police Scotland and other agencies to make that happen.

“We’re fully aware of the risks and we’re taking every action we can to mitigate them.”

Operation Winter City gets under way

Local officers will be bolstered by the new City Centre Policing Unit, alongside officers from neighbouring divisions, the Retail Crime Taskforce, CID, and Road Policing.

Dedicated foot patrols will cover key footfall areas including the Christmas Market, Princes Street, George Street, the High Street, the Royal Mile, Waverley Mall, and St James Quarter. Officers will also visit retail premises to offer security advice and help prevent shoplifting.

In addition, Project Servator deployments will take place. Project Servator is a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public.

Police Scotland launch Operation Winter City in Edinburgh Adobe Stock

Businesses and the general public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, Silver Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “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.

“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.”