High-value jewellery stolen in 'linked' housebreakings in Lothians and Fife

Police have issued an appeal after a range of high-value jewellery items were stolen in a spate of housebreakings in West Lothian and Fife.

Officers believe the incidents may be linked.

On Monday 2 September, three incidents occurred in Bathgate, Cardenden, and Kirkcaldy, which officers believe may be linked.

The first incident happened at around 2.55pm at a property in Inch Wood Avenue, Bathgate. The suspects have forced entry and stolen a range of high-value Asian gold jewellery, which includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

A second incident happened shortly after 4pm at an address in Jamphlars Road, Cardenden, when a homeowner returned and disturbed people within the property. The suspects fled and a range of jewellery, including a Rolex watch, was found to have been stolen.

Officers believe the incidents may be linked.

A third house was broken into on Newliston Drive in Kirkcaldy at around 6pm the same evening, however nothing was stolen.

Officers conducting inquiries into these incidents believe a black Audi A3 car with dark tinted windows may have been used by the suspects in all three cases. The vehicle was seen parked in Jamphlars Road, Cardenden between 3.50pm and 4.25pm on Monday with at least one man inside.

Detective Sergeant Lesley Duncan from Dunfermline CID said: “We are currently working with our colleagues in West Lothian to investigate these incidents and determine if the same people are responsible.

“The value of stolen property is not only of significant monetary value, but many sentimental items have been stolen which have understandably caused the victims a great deal of distress who are eager to have them returned.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the Audi A3 vehicle around the time of the incidents in the Bathgate, Cardenden or Kirkcaldy areas, and anyone who may have capture it on private CCTV or dash cam in these areas.

“The suspects have caused a great deal of damage to the properties they’ve entered and we’d ask any members of the public who saw any suspicious behaviour in the areas immediately prior to the incidents taking place, or who knows the whereabouts of the stolen jewellery, to contact officers immediately.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident numbers 3653 of 2nd September (Bathgate), 2690 of 2nd September (Cardenden) or 4220 of 2nd September (Kirkcaldy). Alternatively an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.