CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has raised concerns about rising incidents of anti-social behaviour in East Lothian with MSPs and Police Scotland.
In a letter to Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector for East Lothian, Jocelyn O’Connor, Mr Hoy praised the Police for their engagement on the issue of Anti-Social Behaviour and said he appreciated “the increased visibility of your officers in light of the recent increase in Anti-Social Behaviour related issues.”
He added: “As you know, residents in the Haddington area have contacted me – and are continuing to do so – about anti-social behaviour concerns in the town, and I therefore would like to reiterate my support for a visible police present at this time.
“It would be helpful to gain a greater understanding of the present constraints the division faces if there are remaining unfilled posts: and to find out more about plans to ensure that community policing in East Lothian is deployed at a sufficient level.
“If there is anything that I can do to support community policing I will ensure I do so through contact with East Lothian, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government.”
The number of police officers in Lothian and Borders has dropped from 964 officers in 2013 to 882 in March 2022.
In the Scottish Parliament’s debating chamber, Mr Hoy questioned Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Keith Brown MSP on policing in East Lothian, saying: “Police officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. But in East Lothian, reports of anti-social behaviour have sky-rocketed. Residents have reported cars damaged and homes egged in Prestonpans, with youth-related anti-social behaviour becoming a growing concern for residents of Haddington town centre.
“So with data revealing the number of ‘bobbies on the beat’ has dropped to its lowest level since 2008, will the Minister join me in calling for more Community Police in East Lothian?”
Following Hoy’s question, Mr Brown, however, refused to commit to an increase of community police officers and compared the number of Police Officers in England and Wales to Scotland.
Hoy has now said all parties should come together to support the police and help them tackle incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour in the county by providing necessary resources.
He commented: “Incidents of anti-social behaviour are a very significant concern, and in particular Haddington and Prestonpans.
“This is often perpetuated by a very small group of who can have a disproportionate impact on communities and in turn police resources in the county.
“I hope politicians from all parties will join me in outlining their support for an increase in police resources in East Lothian, which has decreased under the SNP despite East Lothian being Scotland’s second fastest growing council area.”
