TOOLS worth about £6,000 have been stolen after a number of sheds were broken into earlier this week.

The tools were taken from a shed at Nunraw Farm, near Garvald, sometime during Sunday night and into the following day.

The theft came just hours after three bikes worth more than £200 were taken from sheds in Musselburgh and Ormiston.

Police were contacted at about 4pm on Sunday after entry was forced to a garden shed on Ormiston's Moffat Road.

Two bikes were stolen and police were also called out after a blue and black racing bike was taken from a shed on Musselburgh's Clark Avenue between 2.30pm and 9.40pm on the same day.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify the culprits for these incidents and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Inspector Andrew Harborow, of Tranent Police Station, said: "The theft of these tools will undoubtedly impact on the ability of farm staff to do their job, as well as having an obvious financial impact.

"Anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around the farm between Sunday and Monday should contact police immediately.

"We want to ensure that rural communities are not easy targets for acquisitive criminals and so we would urge those who work in the farming and agricultural industries to visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk for lots of useful advice on safeguarding your properties and belongings.

"Please also remember to remain vigilant for suspicious vehicles around farms and rural properties and report any concerns to police."

The officer confirmed they were also looking at whether the bike thefts were linked.

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.