FUR coats were recovered from second-hand, antique and charity shops throughout East Lothian last week as part of a campaign aiming to tackle the trade of endangered species.

PC Steven Irvine, Police Scotland’s wildlife crime co-ordinator, and PC Craig Purves, East Lothian preventions and interventions officer, visited the stores last Friday morning.

The visits were part of Police Scotland’s Operation Wingspan campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the international trade in endangered species.

PC Purves said: “This has been a very worthwhile operation in East Lothian with the wildlife crime officer.

“There has been a lot of positive engagement with the shops visited, where we have been able to offer specialist advice and guidance.

“We also recovered a number of items, including animal fur coats and a scarf.”

Operation Wingspan will continue until the end of next month.

Police urge those who are aware of people trading in endangered species to report the matter to police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.