Not enough police in East Lothian despite persistent antisocial behaviour, says MP Chris Murray
‘The fundamental problem is there’s not enough police’ - Chris Murray MP
Police numbers in East Lothian are about half the Scottish average despite persistent problems with antisocial behaviour, according to Edinburgh East & Musselburgh Labour MP Chris Murray.
He says as of May 31, there were around 30 full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers per 10,000 people across Scotland. But in J Division, which covers East Lothian, West Lothian, Midlothian and Scottish Borders, there were only around 16.3 officers per 10,000 people.
He said the disparity came as anti-social behaviour continued to rise in Musselburgh, impacting residents, local businesses, and the wider community.
And he said residents were reporting that these issues were affecting daily life, with some reluctant to visit the high street due to safety concerns.
Mr Murray said: “It has been an ongoing issue in that part of the constituency. There is constant antisocial behaviour in the area.
“Supermarkets are constantly complaining about thefts and nothing being done; local businesses on Musselburgh High Street have a WhatsApp group to alert each other when they see any of the people they believe are involved; old people in particular have been targeted; people are getting their windows smashed; there was a restaurant where people came in and just started smashing everything up. It’s a serious ongoing issue.
“I’ve been holding coffee mornings with local people and bringing the police along and I’ve written to ministers several times. The fundamental problem is there’s not enough police.”
He said constituents were contacting him every week to raise growing concerns about intimidation and harassment and feeling unsafe in public spaces.
“The problem is not that the police not doing their job and the problem is not that the police having the wrong priorities, the problem is that the government has not put enough money into policing so there are enough of them.
“It is unbelievable that East Lothian has half the police officers compared to the Scottish average.
“Local businesses are facing abuse and intimidation, and residents are increasingly worried about their safety.
“This is having a consequential impact on the community, people feel unsafe when they go about their daily lives. Too many constituents tell me they feel unsafe.”
Mr Murray has written to Justice Secretary Neil Gray, highlighting the concerns about anti-social behaviour, theft, and crime in the area.
He said: “All strategic and financial decisions have been in the SNP’s hands for 20 years. This is undeniably their responsibility.
“Our community deserves better. The current level of policing is not sufficient to tackle the rising levels of anti-social behaviour and crime, and the Scottish Government must act.”