Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 7:00am

Police warning to be more aware after crime rates soar

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CRIMES in the Prestonpans area have shot up by 60 per cent compared to the start of the year.

Between February 10 and March 9 there were 80 reported crimes - compared to just 50 being logged the previous month.

There were28 calls concerning youths drinking, throwing stones and causing annoyance; 10 house-breaking thefts, drug offences and various motoring offences.

One of the most serious cases involved the theft of a till drawer containing £100 from the Gothenburg pub. The figures also include motor vehicles set on fire in Schaw Road.

The crime count was revealed at last week's Prestonpans Community Council meeting by local officer PC Greg McBeth. He told the meeting that car thefts "are quite high again", but that "people should really help themselves" by hiding their valuables.

But the officer said the crime figures were higher this month because some of those apprehended have been charged with multiple offences, resulting in a higher than normal crime count.

The community council was also keen to hear about how police have been taking underage drunks home to face their parents.

PC McBeth said the initiative had been "worthwhile", with embarrassed parents and their children forced to sign Good Behaviour Agreement forms.