Police investigate ‘linked’ thefts of high-value cars

Police are investigating the theft of several high-value cars in a series of incidents which detectives believe are linked.

Audis, BMWs and a Mini are among the vehicles stolen in incidents across Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Lothians and Borders in recent weeks.

Officers said investigations so far suggest the cars may be in the Edinburgh area, though they may now have false or cloned number plates.

The cars were stolen from several residential addresses between Tuesday July 15 and Thursday August 7.

Detective Sergeant Will Dickson said: “Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for these thefts and recover the stolen cars.

“Our investigation so far suggests that the cars may be in the Edinburgh area, although they could be displaying cloned or false number plates.

“If you’ve seen any cars matching the make and model of those described in your area, and believe them to be out of place, or noticed any suspicious activity in relation to them, please get in touch.”

The first vehicles were stolen between 2am and 3am on Tuesday July 15 when a white BMW M340i, registration EH10 JEN, and a black/red Mini Clubman, registration EA20 SXT were taken from Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh. (Incident 0781 of July 15)

This was followed by a theft at The Orchard near Berwick-upon-Tweed between 8pm on Monday August 4 and 7.30am on Tuesday August 5 when a white BMW X3, registration VGZ 4001 was stolen. (Incident 0632 of August 5)

Between 11.30pm on Tuesday August 5, and 12.30am on Wednesday August 6, a black Audi A6, registration RE59 TKA, and a black Audi Q5, registration KS20 KNA, were stolen at Matthews Drive, Newtongrange, Midlothian. (Incident 0923 of August 6)

Elsewhere, a grey BMW M4, registration SF25 JJK, and a grey BMW M3 Competition, registration SH23 WXT, were stolen from Norman McLeod Crescent, Glasgow between 11.30pm on Tuesday August 5, and 12.30am on Wednesday, August 6. (Incident 0365 and 0358 of August 6)

Between 1am and 2am on Thursday August 7 a grey Audi RS3, registration EJ18 WGO, was stolen from Gilsland Grange, North Berwick. (Incident 0503 of August 7).

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting the relevant incident number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.