I WOULD like to take this opportunity to wish our East Lothian communities a very happy New Year as we prepare for another busy year of policing throughout the region.

Over the festive period, East Lothian community policing team and local community officers have been active in your communities undertaking directed patrols. Officers have been supported in their efforts to keep people safe over the festive period by community wardens in tackling anti-social behaviour. This has involved high-visibility patrols to provide re-assurance, engaging with the public and enhancing patrols at dispersal times to disrupt those intent on committing crime. I am pleased to report this has been highly successful, with a real reduction in crime.

In the lead-up to the festive period, my officers also visited the majority of on and off-sales licensed premises in East Lothian, offering support, guidance and direction to assist and support staff to ensure it was a safe and enjoyable time for all our communities.

We have also been assisted by the divisional roads policing unit in undertaking road checks and providing a visible presence on the roads of East Lothian. You will all be aware the weather since December has been challenging, with heavy rain, high winds and a colder spell now forecast this week. We’ve been working hard to ensure the safety of the public during these adverse conditions but we also need our communities to do their bit.

If you are driving in poor weather then please do so responsibly. Travelling at excessive speed in very wet conditions can result in aqua-planing and the loss of directional control. Remember also to check the condition of your tyres, as even if they are partly worn their effectiveness, even if at still legal tread depths, will be diminished.

The recent drop in temperatures will undoubtedly lead to black ice forming where there has been moisture on the roads. Please take the utmost care if driving in times of darkness or limited vehicle activity, as the likelihood of encountering black ice is greatly increased.

I would also advise that motorists clear their windscreens and ensure their tyres are inflated to an appropriate pressure before setting off on a journey.

During all of this activity, my officers have been progressing ongoing investigations, including the arrest of a 37-year-old man over an initial nine offences including housebreaking in the Tranent and Ormiston area; he is currently remanded in custody. In addition, officers arrested three 16-year-olds over 13 crimes including housebreakings and theft of motor vehicles in the Dunbar and Eyemouth areas. I would like to thank the public for their support in both of these investigations, as your assistance has been key in these swift arrests.

More advice on crime prevention at www.scotland.police.uk