Watch as yobs break in to Livingston heritage centre home to dozens of animals

Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Footage has emerged of a pair of yobs who broke in to a popular Livingston heritage centre home to dozens of animals.

The pair, thought to be teenagers, were caught on CCTV searching buildings at Almond Valley Heritage Centre at various times between 5pm and 8:30pm on Tuesday.

But they were interrupted when staff on site responded and fled on what were thought to be BMX bikes.

Footage has emerged of a pair of yobs who brokein to a popular Livingston heritage centre home to dozens of animals.Video footage from Almond Valley Heritage Centre Facebook.

Speaking to the Evening News on Wednesday, Almond Valley director Robin Chesters said: "This is a community resource here and these actions go against everybody.

"There are whole generations of people who have come here, people who were there as kids who now have kids and grandchildren coming.

"I think it's part of a pattern of incidents which have happened locally."

He said the culprits used a crowbar to break in to - or attempt to break in to - at least four buildings at the site including the museum and the tea room.

None of the animals at the site were harmed.

It is believed those responsible were searching for money - but they made off with nothing.

However, Mr Chesters said staff had to spend the whole day fixing broken doors and replacing the locks, as keys disappeared following the break in.

It is understood other businesses in Livingston were also targeted on Tuesday night.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of the matter and carrying out enquiries. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 3547 of 21 January."

Almond Valley Heritage Centre has also shared details of the break-in on Facebook in the hope of people coming forward with information to help officers with their inquiries.

Mr Chesters added: "I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has responded to our Facebook post and shared it."

Almond Valley

Almond Valley is home to many animals - including rare breeds - at Mill Farm and is a popular spot with families.

The story of Almond Valley began in the late 1960s with a campaign to save the historic buildings of Livingston Mill from demolition.

A volunteer group won the support of the new town development corporation, and work to restore the derelict water mill and farm-steading took place over a decade.

A city farm was established on site and, a little later, one of the outbuildings became home to the Livingston Oil Museum.

In 1990 the Almond Valley Heritage Trust was created. Since then, the attractions and facilities of the site have continued to expand.