Police warn car owners to be on alert

Published on Tuesday 31 March 2009 09:44

POLICE today warned residents in Leith to be on their guard against thieves who have targeted a number of cars in the area.

Among the recent thefts was a break-in to a black Mitsubishi Shogun parked in Sheriff Bank, which was targeted overnight between March 15 and 16.

A spectrum analyser, valued at 9000, was stolen from the vehicle. The device is used to measure the strength of radio and television signals.

Inspector Stephen Paul said: "Over the past fortnight we have become aware of a slight rise in the number of vehicle break-ins happening in the Leith area and we have officers dedicated to solving these crimes.

"In the majority of cases, the break-ins appear to have been carried out in order to obtain satellite navigation systems and other valuables that have been stored within the vehicles concerned.

"We would advise members of the public not to leave any valuables stored within their vehicles, particularly satellite navigation systems, which are attractive to thieves due to their increasing popularity.

"Anyone who has information that can help us track down those responsible should contact police as a matter of urgency."