Senior officer reminds the public to follow safety advice over the festive season
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs reminds members of the public to follow Police Scotland’s advice and to keep safe over the Christmas period.
The festive period is a busy and joyful time for many, but it also brings unique risks and temptations with the party season and increased activity online and in bustling high streets and city centres across the country.
The safety message comes as new figures published in Police Scotland’s quarter two performance report show that between April and September 2025, there was a 26 per cent increase in driver positive drug wipe tests recorded, when compared to the same period last year. Last year, Police Scotland recorded 961 drink and drug driving offences over the festive period.
Christmas is an important time for retailers. The report highlights the work of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce, which was established in April of this year and has detected over 500 shopliftings and 157 retail worker offences, including assaults.
Tackling sexual crime and violence against women and girls remains a top priority this winter. There has been an increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to Police Scotland between April and September, up 3.7 per cent from the previous year. Sexual crime has risen by just over 10.5 per cent (from 7,585 to 8,378) in the same period.
Violence and abuse towards women will not be tolerated at any time and action to address gender-based violence takes place year-round.
Members of the public, especially men, all have a role to play in making positive and lasting change by calling out the misogynistic behaviours that can lead to sexual violence.
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “The challenge for policing is evolving rapidly, as is illustrated in latest figures from the quarterly policing performance report in increasing online harm, threat and violence.
“Operating environments for our officers and staff have continued to intensify. However, we do, and always will, prioritise our response to those who face the greatest threat, risk or harm.
“Crime doesn’t take a holiday and Police Scotland officers will continue to work hard over Christmas, often missing out on time with their families, to keep people safe.
“Our officers will be carrying out dedicated patrols, roadside checks, and testing of drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Police in Scotland carry alcohol and drug testing kits and can carry out immediate roadside testing for any driver suspected of driving under the influence and I would urge everyone to remember that it is never acceptable to drive whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“On the high streets, the Retail Crime Taskforce is working closely with industry partners, retail sector groups and with Retailers Against Crime to prevent crime, gather intelligence and carry out enforcement activity. Retail crime is not victimless and it is unacceptable that anyone should feel unsafe in their workplace, at any time of year.
“For some, this time of year means having to spend more time behind closed doors with an abusive partner or in an unhealthy and controlling relationship.
“We understand how difficult it can be for people to report abuse. It is important people understand that they are not alone, help is available and we are here to listen and offer support.”
Festive and winter safety advice will be published on Police Scotland’s social media channels during December and January.
