A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged in connection with the theft of a car during a break-in in Prestonpans.

Police in Edinburgh became involved in what was described as a "short pursuit" after spotting the stolen Volkswagen Golf being driven in the city on Monday night.

They said the teenager was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the break-in at a house on Doctor Gracie Drive, during the night of Monday, May 14, when the car was stolen.

He is also facing charges in connection with road traffic offences.

A report will be submitted to the Children's Reporter.

Inspector Andrew Harborow said: "Tackling housebreaking remains one of our top priorities in East Lothian and all offences of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness.

"Thanks to a great bit of collaboritive work by local officers in Prestonpans and colleagues from Road Policing, an arrest has been made for a recent housebreaking in Prestonpans and the stolen vehicle has been recovered.

"We are committed to bringing acquisitive crime offenders to justice and will robustly investigate any such incidents that are reported to us.

"The public have a vital role to play in helping us reduce housebreaking rates by ensuring they have appropriate security measures around their homes and businesses and by keeping valuable belongings stored safely out of sight.

"A range of really useful crime prevention advice is available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk."