AS THE new local area commander for East Lothian, I am delighted to have the opportunity to tell you about current policing issues in the area.

Throughout the festive period, the community team in Prestonpans have continued to target anti-social behaviour as part of the Problem Solving Partnership with East Lothian Council.

There have been extra patrols by police and community wardens.

Six youths have been charged with seven offences and multi-agency work continues to prevent further incidents.

We have seen a recent reduction in reported incidents and will continue this focus moving forwards.

Hare coursing remains the most frequently reported wildlife crime in the county and the community team, in partnership with ELPARC, have continued to carry out targeted days of action to tackle this crime.

We would urge local landowners or members of the public who witness suspicious activity to continue to report this to police.

I recognise that there may be occasions the police are not able to respond immediately to such reports and would ask people, if it is safe for them to do so, to take photographs or note descriptions, including vehicle numbers, to assist with investigations.

Unfortunately, we have seen a small number of break-ins on North High Street in Musselburgh, Riverside Drive and Station Avenue in Haddington, and Craigielaw Park, near Aberlady overnight on Tuesday, January 11, with mountain bikes being the main item stolen.

Enquiries are ongoing and we would ask anyone who has information in relation to these incidents to contact local police.

If you are wanting advice on how to protect your property, please go to the Police Scotland website or contact your local community team.

Extensive enquiries are still ongoing to trace Dean Conner (37 years old), who was last seen in Musselburgh at about 5pm on Friday, December 31.

Dean is 5ft 10in tall, with short dark brown/black hair.

There are with photos of him on our website and our Facebook page.

It has been over one week since Dean was last seen or heard from and, as time passes, both ourselves and his family are becoming increasing concerned for his welfare.

I would ask anyone who has information which may assist us in finding Dean to call police via 101, quoting incident number 2238 of December 31, 2021.