Police warn public to be vigilant following car thefts in West Lothian

Police in West Lothian are asking car owners to be vigilant after a number of recent vehicle thefts.

Thieves are targeting prestige cars such as Audi, Mercedes and BMW in the areas of Linlithgow, Bathgate, Armadale, Broxburn and Livingston.

The Community Investigation Unit is following positive lines of enquiry, but are appealing for people to secure their properties and vehicles.

Detective Sergeant David Black, of Livingston CID, said: “The most common way that thieves are gaining access to these vehicles is entering insecure homes to steal the key.

“Keep your doors locked, even if you’re in your property. For example a thief could sneak in an unlocked door, lift car keys from a kitchen worktop and you would be none the wiser.

“Don’t keep keys in a bowl or hang them near a door. Thieves are opportunists, so we’re asking people don’t make it easy for them.”

Operation Alterwood is a new initiative focussed on vehicle thefts in West Lothian.

More information on securing your property can be found under the keep safe section of our website – http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/