MONTHLY crime in Tranent has reduced “significantly” since the same time last year, according to a new report.

A total of 352 calls were made to police from the Tranent and Elphinstone area in the last month, resulting in the recording of 70 crimes.

Crime statistics and policing priorities were highlighted in PC Neil Whittingham’s monthly report to Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council (TECC) during its meeting last Tuesday.

He noted that there was an increase in the volume of calls to the area compared to last month, which was expected as a result of Halloween and Bonfire Night.

READ MORE: Pinkie bonfire and fireworks display 'the best so far'

Covering the period between October 15 and November 18, his report reads: “In comparison to the same period last year, there were 37 fewer calls to police and 34 fewer crimes reported. This can only be seen as a positive sign."

He said at the meeting this week: “The crimes have gone down significantly since the same period last year. I think that shows some positivity.

“This is good news. The work we do on youngsters is helping.

“I go out in the street, up and down the High Street, and they all seem nice folk at the bus stops.

“I’ve had positive feedback from members of the public who are waiting at the bus stops, saying: ‘Look, these kids are doing nothing wrong; same one or two causing issues, unfortunately.’”

“I’ve been to [youth charity] Recharge twice over the last few weeks, really positive engagement with the kids that attend there.

“Their main concern is that the select few kids that are causing trouble in Tranent are giving them a bad name as well.

“I think, by and large from what I’ve seen since I’ve been here, most people and most kids in Tranent are pretty positive. It’s just the same few faces that are recycling."

READ MORE: Road closure in Tranent for works on the gas network

Concerns about graffiti were discussed at the meeting and outlined in the report, with 10 instances of vandalism being reported.

Also included in the figures were three cases of assault and one of assaulting a police officer; two of anti-social behaviour; nine of threatening and abusive behaviour; and four counts of housebreaking theft (business).

Attendees at the meeting agreed that there had been improvements to behaviour in Tranent within the past year.

Robert McNeill, TECC chairman, said: “Generally speaking, I must admit, because I work in the town on a daily basis, it’s been a lot quieter generally from what I can see.”

PC Whittingham, who has previously been based in the Borders, Midlothian, and Edinburgh, added: “Out of everywhere I've worked, I'll be honest, I would say that the people in Tranent are more positive, are more willing to come up with solutions."

Youth anti-social behaviour on buses was listed as a policing priority.