Police in Edinburgh have arrested three youths in connection with bike thefts in the city.
In the last few weeks, a number of bike thefts were reported to police, including three from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where NHS staff have been using bicycles to travel to and from work during the coronavirus pandemic.
To address these issues, officers teamed up with NHS Lothian to help support staff with appropriate crime prevention measures and have carried out bike marking events for staff at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, along with securing funding from NHS Lothian to implement permanent prevention systems.
George Curley, Director of Operations in NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian would like to say a big thank you to police in Edinburgh for their hard work and liaising with us in this matter. We hope this helps to prevent further issues like this so our staff can cycle to and from work without concerns.”
Two of the youths, aged 17 and 19, will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal and a 16-year-old youth will be reported to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.
Through enquiry, officers have recovered three bikes, with a combined worth of approximately £4,000.
Inspector Norman Towler at Howdenhall Police Station said: “The theft of a bicycle at any time is depriving the owner of their property and potentially their method of exercise and commute.
“During these unprecedented times, the theft of bikes from staff working at the frontline of this crisis within the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is beyond comprehension.
“Along with partners within NHS Lothian, we have worked together to take a long term prevention approach whilst also supporting them with bike marking events, which is something we will continue to do.
“A thorough investigation has led to three youths being identified, arrested and charged in connection with thefts and they will be reported in due course.”