FOUR homes have been targeted by potential thieves within the space of just over seven hours.

An investigation has been launched after the homes – in Dunbar, Haddington and Tranent – were hit between 6.30pm on Sunday and 1.45am the following day.

A home in Muirfield Road, Dunbar, was first broken into and a quantity of jewellery was stolen along with a brown Volkswagen Polo with registration number SV63 KWL.

Entry was then forced to houses in Haddington's Arthurs Way and Station Road.

Jewellery was also stolen from the property on Arthurs Way but nothing appears to have been stolen from the house in Station Road.

These offences, which are believed to be linked, are being investigated as part of Operation Greenbay.

An attempted housebreaking in Gavin's Lee, Tranent, which took place at about 1.45am on the same day is also thought to have been carried out by the same individuals.

Constable Russell Taylor, from the Community Investigation Unit in Musselburgh, said: "All of the occupants of the houses that were broken into are deeply upset and we are working to trace their stolen property and return it to them.

"We are progressing these inquiries as part of Operation Greenbay and anyone who believes they know the current whereabouts of the stolen Volkswagen Polo, or who saw any suspicious activity around the targeted addresses, should contact police immediately.

"Likewise, anyone with any other information relevant to these break-ins should also get in touch."

Those with information can contact the CIU via 101 and quote incident number 394 of July 1 (Muirfield Road); 335 of July 1 (Arthurs Way); 1265 of July 1 (Station Road) or 240 of July 1 (Gavins Lee).

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.