Craig Hoy, MSP for South Scotland, has called for greater collaboration between local communities and the Police to deliver on local priorities and combat crime and Anti-Social Behaviour.
The call followed a productive and informative meeting with East Lothian local area commander Chief Inspector Ben Leathes on the 22nd April, 2024 at the Haddington police station.
During their meeting, Craig and Chief Inspector Leathes discussed the importance of East Lothian communities engaging with local police forces to make policing as effective as possible. Both emphasised how collaborative efforts between local communities and police forces are instrumental in addressing issues such as anti-social behaviour and speeding.
Craig said after the meeting: “I strongly encourage community representatives and local third sector delivery organisations to actively participate in Community and Police Partnership meetings across the county. These partnerships help set police priorities and play a crucial role in fostering collaboration between local people and the police. This ensures that police efforts are coordinated and effective in addressing wider community concerns.”
Other topics covered during the meeting in Haddington included the increasing pressure on the court and prison service, the evolving nature of criminal activities such as scams, online threats, and sextortion. Craig and Chief Inspector Leathes also addressed the future of policing and the police estate, as well as a recent rise in car thefts and burglaries.
He added: “It is clear that given the present budgetary and staffing constraints, police need to innovate to deliver a modern police service that meets the needs of a growing population in East Lothian. With a rise in online crimes, the growing problem of sextortion and a spate of burglaries and car thefts, it’s important that local police are engaged with residents across East Lothian.
