Police where called to Livesey Terrace in Penicuik where keys were stolen from a property sometime between 11pm on Wednesday night and 7.30am on Thursday, leading to the theft of a Mini Cooper car and a Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorbike. The owner took to Facebook to appeal for the public’s help to find the stolen vehicles:

A failed attempt to steal a motorbike was also made at a house on Woodside Drive in Penicuik shortly after 7am on Thursday morning, while there was an attempted break-in at Cuiken Terrace, also in Penicuik, at around 3.10am but nothing was taken.

The Police also believe that an incident on New Street in Musselburgh, is connected, after thieves entered a house at around 5.45am and took a set of car keys, before making off with a black Mercedes E220, a laptop and a wallet.

Chief Inspector Jim Royan said:

There was a clear pattern of thefts and attempted thefts in Midlothian and East Lothian last night and our officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in an effort to identify those responsible.

It has been very warm at night during the summer but residents are urged to ensure that all windows are shut properly and that all doors are locked securely when they go to bed. And we would also advise homeowners not to leave car keys on display.

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious overnight in Penicuik or Musselburgh or who has any details which may help with our investigations should contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, phone the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.