Teens charged over break-ins and car thefts

A GANG of teenagers has been arrested following a spate of alleged break-ins and vehicle thefts.

The trio, aged 17, 19 and 19, were charged for allegedly breaking into a home at Marmion Crescent, stealing car keys and fleeing in a Peugeot vehicle at about 1am on Tuesday. Several break-ins to homes and vehicles in Midlothian were later reported to police.

A BMW car was stolen from the Wallace Crescent area of Roslin and later involved in a collision near Cameron Toll at around 6:30am.

A Volkswagen car was stolen from the Mavisbank area of Loanhead and later recovered in Drylaw. The teenagers have also been charged for both crimes.

In the wake of the arrests, police are warning the public to be on their guard against thieves trying to access their property through unsecured windows.

A police spokesman said: "The warmer nights make it more tempting for people to leave windows open and unlocked overnight, and this makes it easier for criminals to gain access to property.

"Our advice to people is to make sure that the doors and windows on their homes and vehicles are secure at night, and to ensure that even within their home, car keys are kept out of sight, in a safe place."