Bonfire Night offenders 'will face justice' as firework control zones return

Police Scotland has warned that anyone involved in disorder as Bonfire Night approaches “will be brought to justice”.

The force launched Operation Moonbeam 2026 on Wednesday, which will enable specially trained officers to tackle firework-related violence and disorder across Halloween and Bonfire Night.

The operation was first rolled out in 2017, following significant criminality in several parts of the country, with an officer seriously injured after being struck by a firework in Edinburgh.

Bonfire Night disorder fell in the years following, before “unprecedented violence” was directed at emergency services in 2023, with 62 officers injured.

Additional resources were deployed in 2024, when one officer was injured, and in 2025, resulting in no officer injuries being reported and a 37% reduction in emergency calls relating to firework offences.

Chief superintendent David Robertson, gold commander for Operation Moonbeam 2026, said that some areas still experienced “unacceptable criminality”.

“I was encouraged by the reduction in serious offending in 2025″, he said. “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.

“I also want to thank every officer involved in community engagement, proactive enforcement and frontline deployments last year for their outstanding work to protect the public.

“Despite the overall reduction, some areas still experienced unacceptable criminality. Emergency service workers were again targeted with fireworks, bricks and other projectiles as they carried out their duties. This cannot and will not be tolerated.

“The criminal use of fireworks has very real consequences. The video we created with key partners in 2025 shows the potential for serious injury or death when fireworks are used as weapons.”

Control zones

Firework control zones and dispersal zones, which give officers the power to break up groups of two or more people whose behaviour is causing, or likely to cause, alarm or distress, will be in place in some parts of the country.

Officers can also issue dispersal orders requiring individuals to leave an area or face further police action.

“As in previous years, local policing divisions will work with relevant agencies to engage with and reassure communities and encourage people to share information about anyone planning disorder between Halloween and Bonfire Night”, chief Robertson added.

“Firework Control Zones and Dispersal Zones will be in place in some areas. Officers can also issue Dispersal Orders requiring individuals to leave an area or face further police action.

“Operation Moonbeam resources will be ready to support local officers whenever required.

“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.”

‘Action will be taken’

In 2025, officers undertook community engagement, particularly with young people, and carried out targeted enforcement to identify those intent on causing disorder and remove illegal fireworks from communities.

More than two tonnes of fireworks were seized before they could be used in violence during last year’s Bonfire Night period.

Over 60 people were reported for their involvement in fireworks offences in 2024 Police Scotland

Community safety minister Kirsten Oswald MS said: “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 remains clear that action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law, and I fully support officers and the courts in tackling disorder.

“A number of measures have been introduced to improve firework safety, including a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and making attacks on emergency workers using fireworks an aggravating factor that courts can take into account during sentencing.

“Local authorities have powers to designate firework control zones, and a number of these will be in place this year. I am grateful to all the emergency services who will again be on the front line to keep our communities safe and encourage anyone using fireworks in a personal capacity to do so safely and responsibly.”

Faith Currie, procurator fiscal for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders, added: “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.

“A conviction can have serious and enduring consequences, impacting employment, education, travel and future opportunities for many years to come.

“We urge anyone who may be considering involvement in disorder to reflect carefully on those consequences before making choices that could affect the course of their lives.

“The safety of the public and of those working to keep communities safe is of fundamental importance. Any criminal conduct directed towards police officers, firefighters, ambulance personnel or other emergency workers will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

“COPFS will continue to work alongside policing and justice partners to protect communities, support frontline responders and ensure that criminal behaviour is met with an appropriate prosecutorial response.”

Firework Control Zones will operate in Edinburgh from October 30 to November 8, and in Glasgow from October 30 to November 9.