Police prepare for busy spell near Bonfire Night

Top cop warns revellers after last year’s rowdiness

Police in Stirling have drafted plans to ensure people stay safe over the Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night period.

Last year, officers across the country experienced high– volumes of calls relating to disorder, damage and violence.

The Observer reported in November how residents in Killearn raised concerns with the police over what was described as ‘youth disorder’ during the Bonfire Night firework display there.

It was claimed rampaging youths congregated in the village park, drinking, smoking and throwing fireworks at people.

Killearn Primary’s alarm was activated on the same night and windows at the former Killearn Hotel were broken.

Complaints were also made about fireworks being set off in green wheelie bins.

No arrests were made on the evening of the event which took place on November 4.

Police Scotland this week announced they are devoting a range of specialist resources to assist policing teams during the week of Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night. Stirling highest ranking officer believes personal safety is of paramount importance over the period.

Chief Inspector Gill Boulton, Area Commander for Stirling, said: “We have plans in place for the deployment of resources over what we anticipate being a busy Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night period.

“We plan well in advance with our partners for larger events such as the Bridge of Allan fireworks show and support this with resources ready to respond to other incidents or events which arise.

“I would also take this opportunity to ask people to consider attending organised displays where possible and to take account of their personal safety and that of others over this period.”

Last year, in other parts of Scotland, emergency service workers were targeted and in one incident in Edinburgh, a police sergeant was injured after she was hit by a firework.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Anderson said: “What we want to make it clear to our communities is that the level of disorder witnessed last year cannot and will not be tolerated.

“To prevent similar incidents arising this year, a range of specialist police resources have been earmarked to provide additional capabilities to policing teams throughout the country.

“Each division is still responsible for the planning and deployment of their officers in their area, but has the reassurance of having specially–trained national assets at their disposal in the event of any serious incidents arising.”

Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table’s bonfire and fireworks display is scheduled to take place at Strathallan Games Park, Bridge of Allan, on Monday, November 5.