CRIMES recorded in Haddington jumped by nearly 50 per cent last month.

The alarming figures, which include assault, shoplifting and possession of drugs, were highlighted in a report to Haddington and District Community Council.

In September, 248 calls were made to police, which resulted in 49 crimes being recorded.

However, last month, 73 crimes were recorded, despite one fewer call being made to police.

The report was not discussed by the community group, which was due to meet on Tuesday, as there were not enough community councillors for the meeting to take place.

Constable Kiera Edmond, who sent the report to the group, broke down the findings into five sections: protecting the most vulnerable; reducing violence and anti-social behaviour; reducing acquisitive crime; improving road safety; and tackling serious and organised crime.

Seven cases of assault and seven cases of threatening and abusive behaviour were recorded under reducing violence and anti-social behaviour.

Cases of vandalism, wasting police time and assault, threaten, abuse of a retail worker were also listed under the same heading.

Meanwhile, nine cases of shoplifting and six thefts were highlighted under reducing acquisitive crime, while cases of fraud and theft by housebreaking were also recorded.

Driving while using a phone, with no licence and with no insurance were flagged up in improving road safety.

Finally, two cases of possession of drugs were also highlighted.