Police in Midlothian have arrested nine people for housebreaking as part of an ongoing initiative to tackle acquisitive crime in the region.

Operation Bistra was launched on Monday 5th December and in addition to investigating numerous break-ins, officers from across the Lothians and Borders Division are providing a high visibility presence to deter offences of this nature occurring.

The suspects aged between 16 – 37-years old were charged following incidents in Dalkeith, Penicuik, Newtongrange and Roslin between 5th December and 16th December.

In total £5760 of stolen property has also been recovered and returned to its rightful owners.

Enforcement and crime prevention activity will continue as part of Operation Bistra and the public are being asked to assist police in tackling acquisitive crime.

Detective Inspector Paul Batten said: “Tackling housebreaking and associated offences is a priority in the Lothians and Scottish Borders and Operation Bistra has been specifically launched to ensure we deter acquisitive crime around homes and businesses and bring offenders to justice.

“This is particularly important during the festive period when homes, sheds, garages and cars may be storing high-value gifts and other items so please make sure your properties and vehicles are appropriately secured with any valuables stored safely out of sight.

“We offer a range of really useful crime prevention advice on our website and this can be obtained by visiting www.scotland.police.uk or by visiting the Lock Down Crime in Midlothian site at WWW.MIDLOTHIAN.GOV.UK/LOCK-DOWN-CRIME

“I would also urge communities to be vigilant of suspicious activity around not only their own properties, but those of their family, friends and neighbours and report any concerns to police immediately on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”