THREE people have appeared in court in connection with 13 incidents of shoplifting involving more than £4,500 worth of goods.

The alleged incidents took place between March 3 and last Friday (April 13) at nine business premises in Prestonpans, Dunbar, North Berwick, Tranent and Gullane.

Electrical goods, food, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and household items were among the items, which were either allegedly stolen or which an attempt was allegedly made to steal.

A 35-year-old woman was charged in connection with all 13 incidents with two men, aged 29 and 30, both charged in connection with three. 

All appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Tuesday).

Chief Inspector Steven Duncan, Area Commander for East Lothian, said: "We know that tackling shoplifting is a priority for local businesses and have recently established a Shoplifting Initiative Team to support this.

"The officers involved in this initiative will be working closely with shopowners and retail companies to increase reporting of offences and will use a variety of resources to detect offenders.

"Thanks to their hard work, three people have been charged in connection with a number of thefts and enquiries are currently ongoing into several other recent incidents.

"I want to reassure businesses and communities that such incidents will not be tolerated."