With the Hallowe’en and Guy Fawkes season approaching us fast, I thought I would take this opportunity to remind you all to make a particular effort to keep yourself and others safe during this time.

Over the past few years we have seen Hallowe’en pass quietly but there are still residents who are affected by the minority who behave in an anti-social manner and ruin what should be a fun and family-orientated occasion.

If you are getting involved in the activity of ‘trick or treat’ please take note: if a sign on a door says ‘no trick or treat’ then respect that person’s wishes and move on; please refrain from frightening elderly people or younger children.

Also, an adult should always accompany young children when out in the streets and older children should ensure they are with friends. Be visible, it will be dark and it’s important that passing traffic can see you. Police Scotland do not recommend entering houses that you don’t know the occupants of.

I would also like to highlight those who wish to plan their own bonfire/firework display: please do so with great care and make sure all children are supervised at all time. It is recommended, in order for everyone to enjoy themselves in a safe and secure environment, that you attend an organised bonfire/fireworks display.

Fireworks are dangerous and must be purchased and handled by adults. It is an offence for young people to purchase, be in possession of, or set off fireworks. If youths are underage or deemed to be using them in an anti-social manner, they will be stopped, searched and dealt with appropriately.

Retailers are also reminded that it is an offence to sell fireworks or sparklers to anyone under the age of 18 and failure to comply with these requirements can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.

I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe Hallowe’en/Guy Fawkes and by acting responsibly we are confident it will pass safely and that anti-social or irresponsible behaviour is avoided.

If you have any information about the illegal selling of fireworks or anti-social behaviour please contact the police on 101 or, in an emergency, by dialling 999.

Information can also be reported anonymously and in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, as Local Area Commander for East Lothian I would like to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate Police Constable Lynn Black, community beat officer for Haddington, on receiving the award of Police Constable of the Year, which was presented by the Scottish Women’s Development Forum.

I am aware that this has already been reported in the local press but I would like to add my sincere thanks and praise to PC Black for all the hard work and excellent service that she has provided to the people of Haddington and surrounding area over the years.

She is a credit to herself and her actions within the community have definitely made a difference in keeping people safe.