Appeal after ‘opportunist’ thief caught in the act in Bathgate

Police in West Lothians have appealed for information from the public after an ‘opportunist’ thief was disturbed mid-crime at a home in Bathgate early this morning.

Around 2:55am, the thief broke into a ground-floor flat on Cochrane Street, and stole “some personal items”, according to officers.

But the thief was caught in the act by one of the residents - and fled the scene towards Balbardie Avenue.

Police said their suspect is a white male in his late 20s, between 5’3” to 5’5” tall, with a skinny build, and a pointed chin.

He is thought to have worn jeans, a baseball cap and dark coloured trainers.

The people in the flat, a 50-year-old man, a woman aged 56, and a 27-year-old woman were not injured but have been left shaken by the incident.

Detective Constable Rachel Royan, Livingston CID, said: "It would appear that the thief had managed to get into the house but was then disturbed by one of the occupants before running out into the street heading towards Balbardie Avenue.

"We believe at this time that it was an opportunist crime and so it's possible the man may have been in the area for some time before this break-in.

“So if you saw someone acting suspiciously in the area, or someone who looked out of place around that time, then call the CID at Livingston Police Office via 101.

“Please quote reference number 0774 of 30 May, 2020, when calling. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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