Police launch operation to keep Edinburgh safe over festive period

Police Scotland will have a “proportionate and visible presence” in Edinburgh’s busiest areas during the annual operation to keep people visiting the city centre safe during the festive period, the force has said.

Operation Winter City launched on November 14 and will run until January 3 with the aim of deterring crime, responding to incidents and reassuring residents and visitors.

Edinburgh draws visitors from around the world over the festive period, who travel to the Scottish capital to enjoy its Hogmanay and Christmas festivities.

Officers will carry out dedicated foot patrols in busy areas such as the Christmas Market, George Street, Princes Street, Royal Mile and High Street – and in the St James Quarter and Waverley Mall.

They will also regularly visit retail premises to offer advice on how to deter retail crime and stay safe.

The force said it will also deploy Project Servator, a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, as well as reassuring members of the public through a highly visible police presence.

The tactic involves using officers who are specially trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be planning to carry out an offence.

Inspector Stephen Quinn, Silver Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “It’s always a special time to be in Edinburgh during the festive season and each year we see millions visit the capital for shopping, nights out, or to enjoy the array of events taking place within the city centre.

“Operation Winter City ensures we have a proportionate and visible presence in the areas that see the greatest level of footfall during the coming month and we will have officers on hand to support the public with whatever is required.

“The benefit of being a national policing services means we can also flex specialist resource to support our dedicated teams working within the capital during Christmas and New Year and I’m grateful to all of those who will be involved in Operation Winter City 2026.

“We want the public to remember the festive period spent within Edinburgh fondly, so please help us deter crime by taking simple steps to maintain your own safety and the safety of your belongings during your time here.

“We have a range of useful advice available on our website, and this can also be obtained by speaking to any of our officers out on patrol.

“On behalf of everyone within Edinburgh Division, I wish you all a very safe, secure and Merry Christmas.”

During Operation Winter City, local officers will be supported by the new City Centre Policing Unit, as well as colleagues from neighbouring divisions, CID, road policing and the Retail Crime Taskforce.

Anyone who sees or hears something that does not feel right to them is urged to report it online and in confidence at gov.uk/ACT, or in an emergency call 999