Appeal following the theft of two vehicles in West Lothian

Officers in West Lothian are appealing for information and reminding owners to be vigilant following the theft of two vehicles while defrosting.

Around 8.20am on Sunday, 11 December, 2022, a black Volkswagen Passat was taken from a property in Loganlea Road, Addiewell.

The car was later recovered on the B7015 between West Calder and Stoneyburn.

A white Vauxhall Corsa, registration SD72 GPZ, was taken from a property on Dick Gardens, Whitburn, around 9.40am on Sunday, 11 December, 2022.

The male owner of the property was injured when he was knocked to the ground and struck by the vehicle. He attended at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was released following treatment.

The suspect is described as a male, aged 20-30, of medium build wearing a light blur beanie style hat and a black top.

Detective Constable David McDougall said: “Our enquiries are ongoing into these incidents and I am appealing for anyone with any information which may assist us to contact us.

“The owners of both of these vehicles had only momentarily left them unattended while the engine was running in order to defrost the car.

“With temperatures to remain low I would urge residents not to leave their cars unattended as it only takes seconds for an opportunist to take the vehicle.

“I would encourage people to use other options including covering windscreens at night or using manual scrapers or de-icing products.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 0983 of 11 December, 2022.