Police have recovered thousands of pounds worth of bikes that were stolen in Edinburgh - including some used by frontline NHS staff.
Officers from Police Scotland have received a number of reports of bicycles being snatched across the capital in recent weeks.
Three of the bikes were stolen from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where doctors and nurses have been using them to get to work during the coronavirus pandemic.
The same number of bikes, said to have a combined worth of around £4,000, have been recovered by police as part their investigations into the spate of thefts.
Three youths, aged 16, 17 and 19, have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
Police Scotland has now secured funding from NHS Lothian to help prevent further thefts from happening at its hospitals.
Hospital staff will now be advised on appropriate crime prevention measures while officers have already carried out bike marking events.
George Curley, Director of Operations in NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian would like to say a big thank you to police in Edinburgh for their hard work and liaising with us in this matter.
"We hope this helps to prevent further issues like this so our staff can cycle to and from work without concerns.”
Inspector Norman Towler at Howdenhall Police Station said: “The theft of a bicycle at any time is depriving the owner of their property and potentially their method of exercise and commute.
"During these unprecedented times, the theft of bikes from staff working at the frontline of this crisis within the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is beyond comprehension.
“Along with partners within NHS Lothian, we have worked together to take a long term prevention approach whilst also supporting them with bike marking events, which is something we will continue to do.
“A thorough investigation has led to three youths being identified, arrested and charged in connection with thefts and they will be reported in due course.”
