A PICK-UP truck stolen nearly 30 miles away was used to 'ram-raid' a Tranent store this morning in a failed bid to swipe a cash machine.

Thieves used the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up to smash their way into the  uSave Convenience Store on Tranent's Elphinstone Road at 2.40am.

The shopfront was extensively damaged while an attempt was made to steal the ATM. No money was stolen and those responsible made off empty-handed.

On Sunday evening, two Mitsubishi L200 pick-ups - with registration numbers DU68 WXG and DY68 BWP - were stolen from a business premises in West Calder. 

Police say that at least one of these vehicles was involved in the ram-raid.
  
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Batten said: "After the pick-up vehicles were stolen within West Calder, they have been used in the ram-raid offence in Tranent, resulting in significant damage to the store, though, thankfully, no loss of property or injury to any members of the public.

"We believe the same group of individuals responsible for these incidents are also responsible for recent break-ins to businesses in Midlothian.

"As such, we are keen to hear from anyone with information that can help us identify these suspects and would ask that you contact police immediately if you have any relevant information."

Between 4.30am and 6.05am on  January 31, the Subway restaurant at Straiton; Butterfly and Insect World at Lasswade; and K&I Coachworks in Dalkeith were all broken into.
 
A four-figure sum of cash was stolen from Subway, while some electrical equipment was taken from K&I Coachworks. Nothing was stolen from Butterfly and Insect World.

Local ward councillor Colin McGinn said of the ram-raid: "This is not the first time the business has been targeted in this way.

"It's a well-used and popular shop which will impact on residents nearby.

"I haven't managed to speak with the owners as yet but I'm sure they will be devastated by this latest setback."