Professor John Robertson OBA

BBC Scotland continues to give firework offences daily reporting in anticipation of serious problems, which last year’s huge decline and Police Scotland activity for this year, suggest that more reductions are likely. Some BBC Reporting Scotland reporting so far has deliberately ignored the lower 2024 data and even stated that the higher 2023 data was ‘last year!’

Here are the facts, from Police Scotland, that BBC Scotland chooses not to tell you.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Last year, following Bonfire Night, I reflected on what was a successful policing operation that saw a reduction in serious disorder offences and a dramatic reduction in the number of officers injured. In 2024, there was a reduction in the number of serious order incidents across the country and the number of officers injured fell to one, compared with 62 in 2023.

https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2025/october/launch-of-operation-moonbeam-2025/

The 2024 data are attributed to Firework Control Zones (FCZs) in high-risk areas, there are more this year and increased policing efforts with air support.

I probably should not be making predictions and the MSM will grasp at any negative trend but let’s see on the 5th. My money’s on fewer incidents.

Finally, does the Reporting Scotland editor think that their c300 000 audience has within it it, many young lads predisposed to throw fireworks at the police and whom they will have dissuaded by hiding the above facts from?