Hunt for pair of joyriding teens

Published on 31/10/2012 11:38

Police are hunting a pair of joyriding teens who “put lives in danger” with their driving after stealing a car while the owner was unpacking his boot.

The incident happened around 8.40am on Friday 26th October in Lochend Road, Edinburgh.

A 62-year-old man was unloading items from the boot of his Vauxhall Astra when two youths got into the vehicle and sped off from the area.

The car then travelled from Lochend Road, up Smokey Brae and along Duddingston Road West, during which time it was involved in a number of collisions with other vehicles.

Officers responded to this incident and the Astra was found abandoned on Craigmillar Castle Avenue, near to Castlebrae High School.

Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries is asked to come forward.

The suspects are described only as being white and in their mid-teens. One was wearing a black long-sleeved t-shirt, while the other was wearing a white t-shirt.

A police spokesman said: “The youths responsible for this vehicle theft put not only their own lives in danger, but the lives of other motorists and pedestrians and we are keen to trace them as soon as possible.

“Officers have been conducting local enquiries and speaking with the vehicle owners, whose cars were involved in collisions with the Astra to establish the identity of the suspects.

“We are also keen to hear from members of the public who were on Lochend Road on Friday morning or anyone who remembers seeing the vehicle as it made it’s way towards Craigmillar Castle Avenue.

“Anyone with information relevant to this investigation should contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.