The last village policeman, PC Tommy Campbell, was withdrawn in 1971 and the police house subsequently sold. Ten years later the first local community policeman, PC Des Bathgate, was appointed, a post held currently by PC Willie Innes. He reports to Gullane area Community Council and liaises with local people and organisations. Crime was not a significant problem in Aberlady, apart from occasional burglary, minor vandalism, and theft from cars parked at the Nature Reserve – all usually perpetrated by outsiders. The Neighbourhood Watch scheme was set up in the village in 1991.