THE last week or so of news has been dominated by events at Holyrood and backs up the saying that a week in politics can be a long time.
The first week of May has brought some welcome sunshine and warmth after what feels like a cold spring. Politics and weather are certainly more changeable than the relentless nature of policing; however, since the start of April, I’m pleased to say we have seen change in the form of a steady reduction in the levels of housebreaking across the county thanks to a number of arrests from our proactive team at Musselburgh.
Our community officers have also been out and about on the police quad bikes, particularly around Musselburgh, where we have seen off-road motorbikes being ridden and used in an anti-social manner. Not only is this noisy and unpleasant for those who live nearby but it can be dangerous to others, so I would encourage riders to only ride in areas where they have the permission of the landowners and to do so in a manner which does not upset or endanger others.
If you have not been distracted by the political news then some of you may have noticed the National Crime Agency (NCA) issued an unprecedented alert to hundreds of thousands of education professionals over an increase in cases of financially motivated crimes of sexual extortion, including in schools.
The NCA said that there had been a global rise in “sextortion” cases – in which people are threatened with the release of comprising photos, either real or faked, if they do not pay to stop them.
East Lothian has seen crimes of this nature rise as well, particularly against men aged 18-25, and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of keeping oneself safe online and not exchanging intimate images with complete strangers.
As a parent myself, I know only too well that this is challenging area to explain to children and get them to understand the risks; however, it is vital in our work to keep our children safe.
I would urge anyone seeking more information to use the following link to CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk) and, if you have further questions, to follow up with appropriate school staff and school link officers who will continue to act as a point of contact on this subject to the high schools and primary schools throughout East Lothian.
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