Amid growing local concerns about increases in crime and anti-social behaviour, Douglas Alexander MP has written to Neil Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, to ask him to commit to increase the number of police officers locally.
His letter highlights that, even though over the last decade East Lothian is the local authority area that has seen the highest increase in crime, at 31 per cent, policing numbers here remain below average.
It also highlights the recent closures of local police stations and asks Mr Gray if he will bring policing numbers in the Lothians, including East Lothian, up to the Scottish average within the term of the current Scottish Parliament.
Mr Alexander’s call follows similar concerns having been raised by East Lothian Council, local community councils and neighbouring MP, Chris Murray.
Commenting, Douglas Alexander MP said:
“Following widespread concerns raised with me by constituents and community groups, I’ve written to Neil Gray to highlight the severe lack of police officers in East Lothian.
“East Lothian has seen the largest percentage increase in crime of any council area in Scotland, but there are only about half as many police per person in our area compared to the Scottish average.
“I know that police officers here are doing their utmost to help keep people safe and protect communities, but there simply aren’t adequate numbers to cope with the rise in incidents.
“I’m therefore asking the Cabinet Secretary for Justice if he will commit to bringing police numbers in East Lothian up to the Scottish average.
“The UK Labour Government has delivered a record funding settlement for the Scottish Government – those funds must now reach our frontline services, including local policing.”