Concerns were raised about the number of shoplifting incidents in the Tranent and Elphinstone area between September and October.

Police Scotland presented Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council with the latest crime figures for the area for the period between September 19 and October 16.

The statistics showed that 11 people had been arrested for shoplifting.

Mike Falconer, chair of the group, said: “Should we be concerned about the shoplifting number? Is that not a bit high?”

However, Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, ward member, was in disagreement with the chair.

She said: “I don’t think that is a high number. Having worked in a shop, that is actually quite a low number, I would think.”

A total of 316 calls were made to police from the area, resulting in 80 crimes being recorded.

There were 10 breaches of bail conditions, 10 incidents of threatening and abusive behaviour and 10 thefts.

Nine road safety crimes were recorded, including dangerous driving and driving with no insurance.