Five Ford Transit vans stolen in four days in West Lothian

Five Ford Transit vans have been stolen in four days in West Lothian.

The vans - four white and one red - have been taken from the Bathgate and Westfield areas since Saturday, with an attempt also made to steal one from Livingston.

Police say they are losing the vans just now at a rate of almost one a day in the area.

The value of the vans stolen is now into many thousands of pounds.

Police say they are losing the vans just now at a rate of almost one a day in the area.

Constable Robert Gilmour, at West Calder Police Station, said: "We are losing Ford Transit vans at the rate of almost one a day in the West Lothian area just now.

"The majority have been white ones and at this stage we are unaware how those responsible are overcoming the security of the vehicles in order to steal them.

"Door to door inquiries are being carried out in the areas surrounding where the vans have been stolen from, and CCTV footage is being reviewed where available.

"I would ask anyone who may have such a van to be very careful where they park it and to ensure it is always locked and secured. Parking in a well lit area is advised at most of the thefts have occurred during the hours of darkness.

"I am also appealing for anyone who may have a Transit van which may have been the subject of an attempted theft, and not yet reported it to us. I am also keen to hear from anyone who may seen or heard any suspicious activity around any Transit style vans to call us on the 101 number, quoting the reference number 0540 7 December 2019."