AS THE summer months continue and with the restrictions required under Covid-19 lifted, it has been great to see the wide-scale return of many community events across the county.

Our community officers have particularly enjoyed being involved in Musselburgh’s annual festival, again last week working with partners including council staff to ensure the safety of participants and onlookers.

Despite a few unplanned dismounts in the rideouts, these events have been a great success, with a real carnival atmosphere. They also have provided some of our brand new officers the opportunity to experience another side of policing and get the opportunity to engage positively with local communities.

Local officers will continue to be involved in such events over the next few weeks, including Fringe by the Sea and the Gullane Games.

If you see our officers out and about, please go and speak to them, as they are always happy to meet new people and listen to any concerns.

Unfortunately, we did see one individual take advantage of the crowds when he snatched a bag from an 81-year-old lady who was in the company of friends outside the Brunton Hall on Tuesday evening.

I’m glad to report that, following some great detective work by response officers from Musselburgh and the East Lothian Community Action Team, a 32-year-old man from Edinburgh was arrested and charged and will be appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in a few weeks’ time.

Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse is this Friday and I’m delighted to have the role of event commander this year, where I will be supported by officers from East Lothian and across the wider Lothian and Borders Division.

My priority is for this to be a safe and enjoyable event for all, so would remind race-goers that they may be subject to search as a condition of entry, so please do not be tempted to bring alcohol or drugs and ensure you have a designated driver or taxi/bus arranged for getting safely home.

Finally, road safety continues to be a concern across the county, with the community teams carrying out speed checks in our villages, including Gladsmuir and Gifford. This activity will continue over the following months, so please drive safely and observe the 20s, which are in place to save lives.