Police Scotland is appealing for witnesses following a number of break-ins and thefts in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian.
At around 2.15am yesterday (Tuesday) the store alarm at the Hugo Boss shop on Multrees Walk was activated. No entry was gained and nothing was taken. However, two men on a white and red motorcycle were seen acting suspiciously in the area prior to the incident.
Ten minutes later, two men on a motorbike broke into the Zen Kitchen Chinese restaurant on Dundas Street and moneybags containing a quantity of change were stolen from within.
A subsequent report of a break-in at the Dalkeith Rugby Club was then made to police at around 2.50am. Nothing was stolen from within but four windows were smashed as a result.
A short time later, local officers in Whitecraig, East Lothian responded to the Mercat Bar and Grill on Whitecraig Road, after the restaurant was entered, triggering the alarm. Nothing was taken from inside and two men riding a motorcycle were seen making off from the area.
At 3.35am police in Musselburgh were called to an address in Stoneybank Drive following a housebreaking at a residential property. A set of car keys to a Nissan Qashqai were taken from within along with a camera and rucksack.
A neighbouring garage was also entered and ransacked during this incident.
The car was then also stolen from outside the property and was found abandoned in Moredunvale Loan, Edinburgh at around 4.15am that day.
Police believe these crimes are all linked and are also investigating whether the same suspects carried out two similar offences the previous day.
Between 5.30pm on Monday and 7am on Tuesday a green Triumph motorcycle was stolen from outside an address in Polton Road, Loanhead. Sometime during the same time period, a property in Moir Avenue, Musselburgh was broken into and electrical goods including a TV, DVD player and games console were stolen.
Detective Sergeant Dave Reilly said: “It would appear that the same two men have been responsible for a number of break-ins, attempted break-ins and thefts across Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian.
“These incidents have resulted in high-value goods being taken and costly damage being sustained to a number of the properties.
“Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around these locations late on Monday evening or in the early hours of Tuesday morning is asked to contact police immediately.
“In addition, anyone who can help us trace the suspects, or who has information that can assist with our on-going enquiries is also urged to come forward.”
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
