Police are appealing for information following a series of housebreakings across Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders which took place overnight Thursday 4th to Friday 5th February.
A total of nine homes and business premises were targeted with items including clothing, tools and a car being stolen.
Residential properties were broken into, or attempts were made to force entry, in Currie, Bilston and Loanhead. Whilst nothing was taken from two houses, a large quantity of tools was stolen in Loanhead and a black Audi registration R3GYM was taken in Bilston.
Businesses were also hit in the Longstone and Hillend areas of Edinburgh, Loanhead, Straiton and Peebles. Whilst two were attempted break-ins, mountain bikes, outdoor clothing and cash were taken from three retail stores.
At several locations, a silver Vauxhall Vectra was seen with four occupants. Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this vehicle in and around Midlothian and its borders with Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders during the night in question, or has information about the individuals.
PC Scott Clark based in CID at Musselburgh is investigating the series of housebreakings and said: “This group has caused significant damage and loss to private property and business over a wide area over the short space of Thursday night. The silver Vauxhall Vectra was repeatedly seen at several of the locations, and we were able to get a good description of the occupants from one of the business premises.
“All four are described as of average build and between 5 foot 10 inches and 6 feet tall. They all wore either grey or black clothing, two also wore hats.
“I’m keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this group on Thursday night or early Friday morning, or anyone who has information about the vehicle they were travelling in and its movements over the same period.
“The stolen Audi also has not yet been found and so anyone with information on its whereabouts should also contact police.”
Anyone with information which could assist this enquiry should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously 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.
