Five teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with a series of housebreakings in Edinburgh.

Between 7pm on Wednesday, June 22nd, and 3am on Thursday, June 23rd, a total of seven break-ins occurred at domestic premises in West Pilton Green, Wester Drylaw Avenue, Royston Terrace, Craigleith Drive, Craigleith View and Craigleith Crescent.

Following a thorough investigation led by officers from the Community Investigation Unit based at Corstorphine, two 16-year-olds (a male and a female) and three 15-year-olds (two males and female) were traced and subsequently charged.

Both 16-year-olds have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and are scheduled to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Friday).

The rest have been referred to the Children’s Reporter.

Inspector David Ferguson who is based at Drylaw Police Station said: “Some of these individuals were traced on Wednesday night (June 22) by local officers after information was received from the public. The remainder were traced the following day. Many of these break-ins were not discovered by residents until the morning, by which time we already had the suspects in custody.

“I would like to remind people to make sure their property is secure before retiring to bed for the evening. Don’t leave doors and windows open or unlocked.

“Tackling housebreaking and swiftly arresting those involved in this offence is a priority for us and we will always act on information that is passed to us.

“Anyone who wishes to report a crime in their area should contact Police Scotland on 101.”