West Lothian crime: Police pursue suspect after two car thefts in Linlithgow

Police are looking to track down a suspect after two car thefts in West Lothian.

Officers have not confirmed whether the two thefts were connected, but they are seeking the same suspect for both incidents.

The first theft took place on a residential street in Lithlithgow, West Lothian, in the early hours of Wednesday, January 18. A red Mazda CX 3 was stolen from outside a property in Kettilstoun Mains. Police believe the car, which has a registration plate of SN69 FMF, was taken at around 12.35am.

Later, officers spotted the vehicle driving in the High Street area of Linlithgow. They gave chase, pursuing the car eastbound through Winchburgh, but the driver did not stop.

Police pursued a suspect in a stolen car through Winchburgh in West Lothian. (Photo credit: Neil Johnstone)

A second car, a black Seat Ibiza with a registration plate of SK71 AXG, was also stolen from outside a property in The Maltings between 11.30pm and 4.30am.

Police are investigating the possibility of the two thefts being connected. They are currently seeking a suspect in connection with both incidents, who was seen wearing dark clothing, a mask and gloves.

Officers have issued a social media appeal, urging the public to come forward with any information following the car thefts.

Detective Sergeant Keith Sinclair, of Livingston CID, said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish if these two thefts are connected.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the Linlithgow area in the early hours of Wednesday morning who may have witnessed something.

He added: “I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who has seen the two cars described in the West Lothian area since the early hours of Wednesday, 18 January. Also, anyone with dash cam footage who was in the area around the time of the incidents is urged to contact police as you may have captured footage that could assist with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting incident number 0072 of 18 January for the Mazda or incident number 0317 of 18 January for the Seat. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give your information anonymously.