Following a consultation period with staff to discuss changes to shift patterns, I am pleased to announce that from Wednesday a new Operational Policing Model for East Lothian will be introduced.

This aims to provide the most resilient, flexible and effective service possible, matching demand with resource distribution and enhancing community-policing teams to meet local needs and concerns (see next week’s Courier for more details).

This policing model will incorporate Community Policing Teams and Response Teams and will make better use of the resources we have and improve the service provided to the public of East Lothian. Meanwhile, The Management Information Report – Force Report; Quarter 3, 2014/15, was recently published.

It details crimes and offences for Police Scotland within each of its local policing divisions and for each local authority area.

As Local Area Commander for East Lothian, my focus is on keeping people safe and addressing the priorities that communities across East Lothian tell us matter to them.

Our priorities include tackling violent crime and anti-social behaviour; protecting vulnerable people; road safety; reducing the number of thefts by housebreakings and serious and organised crime.

We will continue to ensure a consistent policing approach, addressing local priorities and concerns and ensuring equal access to specialist officers and resources no matter where and when the need. Public confidence in policing in East Lothian remains high and we will continue to build on this.

Over the past week, there have been break-ins to dwelling houses and commercial properties in Musselburgh and North Berwick.

I would ask all residents of East Lothian to be vigilant. If something doesn’t look right – it’s probably wrong!