Crimestoppers
Fearless - our youth service
Fearless Autumn
Stay safe this autumn.
Loud Bangs. Big Choices.
Are you an adult? Click HERE to get information that's been created just for you.
Bonfire Night can be amazing but it can also be dangerous, scary for some people and get messy.
One bad choice can change everything.
The Ripple Effect
It might feel harmless at the time, but fireworks misuse can quickly get out of hand.
- Emergency crews pulled away from real 999 calls if they’re being attacked or roads are blocked
- Animals scared, injured, or worse
- Veterans and those who have lived in war zones, triggered by the noise of explosions.
- Communities where older people feel unsafe and kids copy bad behaviour.
- You and your family - from burns and injuries to criminal charges that stick for life.
Your choices ripple out to everyone. Fun for you, should never hurt someone else.
Fireworks Laws
Scotland has strict rules about fireworks to keep people safe and reduce accidents. Here’s what you should know:
- You must be 18 or older to buy most fireworks.
- Shops can only sell fireworks at certain times of the year, like around Bonfire Night, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Diwali.
- You can normally only set off fireworks between 6pm and 11pm.
- On Bonfire Night (5 Nov), the limit extends to midnight.
- On New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali, you can use them until 1am.
- It’s illegal to set off fireworks in the street or other public places (parks, roads, etc.)
- You can usually set them off in your own garden, but not if you’re in a Firework Control Zone.
You can get fined or even arrested if you:
- Possess fireworks under the age of 18
- Sell, buy or supply fireworks to anyone under 18 (apart from category F1 fireworks e.g. party poppers)
- Set off fireworks in a restricted area or outside permitted times
- Throw or set off fireworks in a public place (like a street, park or road)
- Cause unnecessary suffering to animals
Fireworks Control Zones
Some areas have Fireworks Control Zones and Police Dispersal Zones in place in addition to all the normal Laws.
Local councils can set up special areas called Firework Control Zones to control where fireworks can be used.
In these zones:
You can’t set off fireworks anywhere - even in your own garden - unless they’re Category 1 fireworks (like sparklers, crackers, or party poppers).
Big, organised public firework displays are still allowed, so people can enjoy fireworks safely.
The police are responsible for enforcing offences in a Firework Control Zone.
Police Scotland can create Dispersal Zones in areas where antisocial behaviour is a problem.
In these zones:
Police can instruct groups of 2 or more people hanging about or behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse.
Those who fail to comply, or return within 24 hours, can face arrest.
You can check if you’re in a Firework Control Zones by visiting your local council’s website or social media for maps and updates.
To check if there is a Dispersal Zones in place where you live or are in, check Police Scotland’s website and social media pages, or look out for signs in your local area.
Speak Up
Know someone selling fireworks to under 18s or planning attacks against the emergency services? You don’t need to stay quiet.
- Click HERE
- Tell us what you know - 100% anonymously.
We can’t track your IP address. We don’t take your name or any contact details. No one will ever know the info came from you.
Speaking up is about protecting your mates, pets, and community.
Autumn Positive Actions
Want to do more than just the minimum? Then here are some ideas for positive actions you can take to help your community to be a stronger, safer, happier place to be:
Report any big build-up of rubbish or fly-tipping to your local authority or community fire station. This will help ensure it can be removed and prevent fires.
Winter coat from last year too small or more Halloween sweets than you could eat? There are lots of charities who can put it to good use.
Find your local foodbank: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust
Check in with elderly relatives or family who live alone and see if they’re doing ok. Halloween, Bonfire Night and just nights becoming darker, earlier can leave people feeling quite anxious and isolated.
Final Word
Most young people already make safe choices. This Bonfire Night, be the one who:
- Knows the rules.
- Looks out for others.
- Has fun without the chaos.
Accessible Format: Easy Read
This is an Easy Read document. It tells you about our Fearless Autumn campaign using simple words and pictures.
A huge thank you to young people from across Edinburgh who designed this year’s campaign at our Igniting Change event.
Anonymity
Fearless is a service that allows you to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. Anonymous means your identity is completely unknown.
Give information anonymously
Report a crime 100% anonymously by completing our online form or calling 0800 555 111
Youth support services
Access a selection of youth organisations who can offer further information, advice and support for whatever you're dealing with.
