Police chiefs in Midlothian are bracing themselves for an increase in house-breaking and thefts as the cost of living crisis hits home.
A meeting of Midlothian Police and Fire Rescue Board this week heard that the number of recorded house break-ins and crimes of dishonesty over the first three months of this year were down compared to a five year average.
However acting local area commander James Robertson told the virtual board meeting the force was already preparing for the figures to rise.
