Riot police will be on stand-by across Renfrewshire this bonfire night in a bid to avoid the anarchic scenes which erupted on Scotland’s streets last year.
Specially-trained public order officers will be deployed across the country as part of Operation Moonbeam in a bid to protect local police from attack.
Since Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, the number of criminal incidents involving fireworks has decreased.
However, last year, officers responding to reports of disorder and anti-social behaviour in certain parts of the country were subjected to unprecedented levels of aggression and violence.
In total, 62 officers sustained a range of injuries after being struck by, or in proximity of, a firework that was thrown towards them.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are working together to provide education to schools across Renfrewshire on fire safety and criminal behaviour.
Renfrewshire’s prevention and intervention officers also carried out joint visits with partners from Trading Standards ensuring that firework sellers are adhering to regulations.
Sergeant David Cameron, of the division’s preventions and interventions team, told the Paisley Daily Express: “We hope the community keep themselves safe if using fireworks.
“We would also ask the community to report any large objects that could form part of a bonfire and Renfrewshire Council will request for them to be removed.
“The local authority community safety team can be contacted on 0300 300 0380 (option 1) who will investigate and coordinate the uplift of materials.
“We urge the public to report unauthorised bonfires or fireworks displays by calling the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Similarly, please report any unauthorised sellers of fireworks.”
Operation Moonbeam 2024 was launched in a joint event at Glasgow Green alongside Crimestoppers and the SFRS who both launched their own initiatives aimed at deterring the criminal and reckless use of fireworks.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “What we saw last year was an unacceptable level of hostility and violence, which was primarily directed at police officers and, for the most, was instigated by adults linked to organised crime, who provided young people with fireworks and other weapons and encouraged them to attack officers.
“This horrific behaviour jeopardised the safety and wellbeing of those who were trying to keep communities safe. Significant investigation was undertaken in the weeks and months that followed and numerous people were charged in connection with these incidents.
“I want to make it clear that those responsible for endangering the lives of police officers, other emergency service workers, or members of the public will be identified, and they will be brought to justice. In the event you avoid being caught on the night, you can expect a visit from us once we have conducted our inquiries.
“I would ask the public to work alongside us in helping make bonfire night a safe and enjoyable occasion and to report any criminality you witness, or any suspicions you may have that others are seeking to do harm within our communities.”
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