THIEVES who stole three vehicles from a home in the Scottish Borders are believed to have been responsible for a break-in in Humbie in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident took place at about 1.20am at the Humbie Hub and resulted in the theft of a safe containing a four-figure sum of cash.

The Humbie Hub still opened as usual later that day.

The incident follows the theft of three vehicles during a housebreaking in Clovenfords, near Galashiels, sometime between 10pm on Friday and 1.35am on Saturday at an address on Whytbank Row.

After entry was forced to the property, keys to a grey Volkswagen Golf, black Audi RS4 and silver Audi A4 Allroad were taken before all three cars were stolen.

The Golf was subsequently recovered in Penicuik a short time later. 

It is believed the Audi RS4 was used during the break-in and theft at Humbie.

The RS4 was then recovered in the Millerhill area at about 10.25am on Sunday.

Anyone who can assists police with their ongoing investigation is asked to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Batten from Lothians and Scottish Borders CID said: "The theft of these vehicles, and the the subequent break-in to the property in East Lothian, are being investigated as part of Operation Greenbay and this incident is being linked with similar housebreakings and car thefts that have occurred across the east of Scotland over the past month.

"We believe those responsible will look to utilise the vehicles to commit further offences and we would ask anyone who has seen them since the early hours of Saturday morning to contact police immediately.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who has any relevant information that can help us identify and trace the culprits."

Those with information can contact Galashiels CID via 101 and quote incident number 427 (Clovenfords) of February 23 or the Musselburgh Community Investigation Unit and quote incident number 419 of February 24 (Humbie). Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.