Enquiries are ongoing following the theft of multiple bicycles from Penicuik and District.

The latest incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday morning (16 June), in which a red and black  Yamaha Fazer motorcycle was stolen from a property located off The Brae in Auchendinny. It is believed that residents may have heard the bike leaving the area at some point during the night. As such witnesses are being sought who may have any information which could aid in the recovery of the stolen motorcycle.

This theft comes a week after several properties were targeted throughout Midlothian, with thieves successfully making off with nine bikes, collectively costing thousands of pounds.

Amongst those targeted, in the morning of Wednesday 10 June, were two addresses in Penicuik, one in Nine Mile Burn and another in Greenhill Park. Here, what is believed to be an experienced gang, gained access to a shed and garage consequently removing several bikes and some power tools. One property lost three bicycles, shown in the gallery above, and have since been unable to participate in a planned race.

Area Commander Kenny Simpson said:

We’re appealing for anyone who may have information about these thefts to get in touch, and we expect that these bikes are likely to have been stolen with the intention of being sold on.

We’d urge the public to be vigilant when buying or being offered second-hand bikes. If the seller cannot provide proof of ownership, or if they are being sold at a disproportionately cheap price, they may have been obtained through criminal activity.

If you buy something that was stolen there is the potential that this will be recovered by police and returned to its rightful owner, meaning a financial loss for yourself.

Anyone with any information relating to these cases should contact Police Scotland by phoning the non-emergency number 101 or via the anonymous Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.