Thieves take Masonic items in house raid

MASONIC memorabilia was stolen during a break-in at a house which also saw a large number of medals and jewellery being taken.

The haul was stolen from the home in Main Street in East Whitburn, West Lothian, between 6pm and 9pm on Wednesday.

The incident follows a string of similar break-ins in Broxburn, Uphall, Pumpherston and East Calder. The only description available of the suspects is of a man with shoulder-length fair hair in a ponytail.

Detective Sergeant Brookfield said: “The medals and jewellery that have been stolen from East Whitburn are very distinctive, and the Masonic memorabilia is not in everyday circulation, so we would appeal to the public, and in particular traders, to be alert to anyone trying to sell them on.

“We believe these incidents are linked, and we are appealing for anyone with any information to contact police.

“We think it’s a group of men who are targeting homes typically in the afternoon or early evening, and they are using bed linen or bags from the house to carry the stolen items away from the property.”