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Police in Edinburgh will have the power to stop and search people and vehicles as officers aim to tackle the widespread Bonfire Night disorder seen in the capital in previous years. The force will be implementing Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which also allows for the removal of any items believed to be used to conceal a person's identity. The powers same in from 3pm on November 5 and will be in place within the Niddrie, Muirhouse, Pilton, Moredun, Gracemount, Saughton, Sighthill and Longstone areas of the city. Police say that this will be used "responsibly" and only "when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence". Edinburgh has been the centre of shocking scenes of carnage in recent years around Bonfire night with locals left terrified by masked youths running riot. Riots erupted in the city last year amid disorder in communities, with fireworks being used to attack emergency service personnel, public transport and shops. Cars and buildings were set on fire as police, fire fighters and paramedics were bombarded with pyrotechnics. Eyewitness reports and videos from the Calder Road area in Sighthill last year showed bins being thrown onto the street and fireworks aimed at cars and a petrol station. Youths with 'bats and clubs' stormed the Hyundai forecourt and cars were seen with their windows smashed as the business was targeted before public order officers locked the area down. Dispersal zones are now enforceable to help prevent anti-social behaviour and keep communities safe from October 31 to November 5 from 2pm to midnight every day, with officers given powers to take action where needed. The zones cover multiple parts of the city from north to south and east to west. It comes after police promised a record level of resources to tackle Bonfire Night disorder. In 2023, some 62 police officers were injured in disorder around the fireworks season across Scotland. Overall, fireworks offences have reduced, but an increased targeting of emergency services has prompted cops to promise a tougher crackdown this year. Frontline officers in Edinburgh will also be equipped with Body Worn Video, as the national roll-out of this technology continues in a bid to track down offenders. Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: "The overwhelming majority of those within Edinburgh have enjoyed the celebrations of the last week in the proper spirit and I sincerely thank the public for their support of our policing operation to keep people safe during the Halloween and Bonfire Night periods. “Attacks on police officers, emergency service colleagues, and other vital services will not be tolerated. "These offences have a significant detrimental impact on our communities and so we will be utilising the Section 60 powers where appropriate to ensure this evening is safe and enjoyable for everyone looking to celebrate.”
