Spotlight falls on car number plate thefts

Officers at Lothian and Borders Police said the investigation was launched after reports of car number plates being stolen in Currie and Juniper Green.

According to the DVLA, number plate thefts enable criminals to change the identity of stolen cars so they can be sold and disguise vehicles used in activities such as ram-raiding and driving from petrol stations without paying.

Police have urged anyone with information on the Currie and Juniper Green thefts to come forward.

A spokesman said: “Lothian and Borders Police are investigating following a number of reports of registration plate thefts from vehicles in the west of Edinburgh.

“The incidents occurred between February 1 and 3, and then between February 9 and 11, at various addresses in Currie and Juniper Green.

“Inquiries are ongoing to determine whether these thefts are linked and anyone who can assist officers with their investigation is asked to come forward.”