Chief Constable hails 15 per cent fall in area crime rate

In his annual report, Chief Constable David Strang said “determined focus” on prevention had contributed to the lower overall crime rate, as well as a crackdown on adults buying alcohol for minors.

Vandalism had dropped by 18 per cent and violent crime by 29 per cent, while there was a 25 per cent decrease in thefts and break-ins from homes.

Mr Strang said: “Young people in the community were diverted away from alcohol abuse and there was a reduction in antisocial behaviour.”

He said that tackling serious and organised crime was the force’s top priority, illustrated by their “success in identifying and dismantling numerous cannabis cultivations and arresting those responsible”.

Superintendent Phil O’Kane, local commander for East Lothian, said: “Local officers continually engage with the public to identify the issues they believe should drive policing in their area.”