Break-ins and jewellery thefts in Fife and Lothian may be linked

Three break-ins and thefts of high-value jewellery from houses in Fife and West Lothian may be linked, police have said.

Officers are appealing for the public’s help as they investigate housebreakings in Kirkcaldy, Cardenden and Bathgate on Monday.

The first incident happened at around 2.55pm at a property in Inch Wood Avenue, Bathgate.

The suspects forced entry and stole a range of high-value Asian gold jewellery, which includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

A second incident happened shortly after 4pm at an address in Jamphlars Road, Cardenden, when a homeowner returned and disturbed people within the property. The suspects fled and jewellery items, including a Rolex watch, were found to have been stolen.

Then a third house was broken into on Newliston Drive in Kirkcaldy at around 6pm the same evening, although nothing was stolen.

Officers believe a black Audi A3 car with dark tinted windows may have been used by the suspects in all three cases.

The vehicle was seen parked in Jamphlars Road between 3.50pm and 4.25pm on Monday with at least one man inside.

Detective Sergeant Lesley Duncan, from Dunfermline CID, said: “The value of stolen property is not only of significant monetary value, but many sentimental items have been stolen which have understandably caused the victims a great deal of distress.

“The suspects have caused a great deal of damage to the properties they’ve entered.”

Anyone with information should contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.