Police told to set sights on drug dealers

Tackling drug dealers should be the biggest priority for Lothian and Borders Police, according to a new survey of residents in the force area.

The survey of 3665 people found that nearly 60 per cent of respondents believed that targeting dealers, as well as drug use, should be a main focus for officers.

But only 34 per cent stated that drug dealing was either a "big" or "small" problem in their area.

Crimes against children was the second placed priority among those surveyed, while muggings or physical attacks came third.

More than 40 per cent said that reducing housebreakings should be a principal aim, while 40 per cent cited a further crackdown on organised crime.

Safeguarding against terrorism scored little over ten per cent in the poll, with identity theft and vandalism or graffiti also posting around the same numbers.