Masked raiders made off sporting equipment including a number of mountain bikes and golf clubs worth more than £5,000 in a double attack on properties in East Lothian.
The unidentified trio are thought to have ‘cased’ a cycle shop on Musselburgh’s North High Street before breaking into the premises and plundering the stock during the overnight raid.
Local police believe the theft may be connected to a second incident in the region that saw a home and garage in Aberlady targeted and a top-of-the-range bike and golfing paraphernalia stolen.
They have since launched an appeal for information and have asked anyone who may know those responsible to come forward.
A black Canyon Fat Bike with red text on the frame and a second, white mountain bike were stolen from the home on Aberlady’s Craigielaw Park at around 12:25am on Wednesday, January 12, officers say.
Clothing including a waterproof jacket, trousers and hat, were also taken from the garage alongside a Titleist golf bag containing a set of TaylorMade clubs.
Just over an hour later, the bike shop in Musselburgh was targeted after three suspicious men and two vehicles were spotted in the area.
Entry was forced to the shop and several bikes were stolen before being loaded into the back of a white van.
It is believed the perpetrators have been in the area earlier in the night to check the property prior to the break-in.
The van was later spotted on Market Street heading towards Edinburgh, while a second vehicle thought to be a blue hatchback, was also said to be present at the time of the incident.
The suspects were described as being in their early 20s, of slim build, around 5ft 8in to 6ft tall and all dressed in black or dark clothing with balaclavas covering their faces.
Detective constable Jordan Stevenson said it was likely the two incidents were linked as he appealed for drivers with dashboard-mounted cameras to come forward and share footage with police.
He added: “Our enquiries into both of these incidents are at an early stage but it is believed both incidents are linked.
“These types of incident have a lasting impact on the victims and I would urge anyone who have any information about either incident to come forward.
“If you saw or heard any suspicious activity or vehicles operating in the area or may have dashcam or private CCTV footage then please let us know.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting Incident Number 0156 - 12/01/2022, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
