Haddington-based community safety officer PC Craig Purves’ new column gives residents the latest police news and advice

Alleged robbery

On Thursday, June 3, police were alerted to two reported incidents of knifepoint robbery in the Musselburgh area.

Following police investigation, a suspect was traced and a 29-year-old male was arrested and charged with two assaults and attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. He was held in custody to attend court.

Bike Safety

Roads and pavements are used by many different groups of people, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists and drivers of all types of vehicles. Along with Road Safety Scotland I would like to pass on the following tips particularly in relation to cycling:

• Buy the right size of cycle: an adult’s tiptoes should touch the ground when in the saddle.

• Maintain your cycle so that brakes, tyres, chain, steering and reflectors are all in good condition.

• During the day, wear fluorescent ‘day-glo’ colours. At night wear reflective clothing.

• Front and rear lights are a legal requirement.

• A helmet will not prevent an accident but can help protect your head should this one happen. Look for the CE mark when buying a helmet.

I am currently looking into a bike marking scheme and will update throughout media channels when this is up and running.

‘Disturbance’

In the early hours of Sunday, June 6, officers were called to Seton Sands Caravan Park following a report that a 38-year-old male was causing a disturbance and had assaulted a member of security staff. He was arrested, cautioned and charged and reported to the PF on undertaking.

MENTORS

Community/neighbour mediation is one way of resolving disputes between those who live in the same locality or neighbourhood.

Trained mentors, who do not take sides, help both parties to come to an agreement about the problem in hand: For a service in your area please see www.scottishmediation.org.uk/find-a-mentor

Round for round

Last Wednesday, June 2, staff at Archerfield Golf Club, by Dirleton, were carrying out maintenance around the course when they discovered a small suspicious device buried under the ground.

This was described as a small, round metal device, about the size of a tennis ball with arm and aerofoil on the end and believed to be a training device from the Second World War.

Police attended and liaised with the Ministry of Defence who advised that these were anti-tank mortars. East Lothian Council attended with sand bags to assist with the operation.

A dig of the area was implemented and 60 pieces of ordnance were dug up, 30 being practice rounds and 30 being live. A number of controlled explosions were carried out on the beach.

Great partnership working was displayed between the landowners, police, MOD and East Lothian Council.