An Edinburgh family has spoken out about a terrifying ordeal that saw thieves attempt to break into their home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Turnhouse family of four wishes to remain anonymous to protect their children from becoming aware of the incident and as a result to stop them from becoming traumatised.
Both the mother and father were awoken by a loud bang in the middle of the night coming from the bottom landing of their home.
The security lights went into action and lit up the back garden before the couple rushed to check the doors remained secure.
Upon arriving at the back door they noticed the handle felt different and when they unlocked the door to check outside they discovered that the handle had been tampered with by industrial strength pliers.
The couple have said that they want to share the story of their ordeal so that others in the Turnhouse area can remain vigilant.
The mother said: “We were woken up by a loud bang by the back door and noticed the security light was on in the back garden. I turned to my husband and said someone is at the back door but we could not see anything.
“I went to check the back door handle and noticed the outdoor lock had been pulled off with pliers and that someone had been trying to break in.
“Nothing else was touched. Our external garage was fine and they weirdly shut the gate when they went out. The police said that they suspect the thieves were after the car but we are also worried that they may have been targeting us for our dog.”
It is understood that footage exists from a neighbours Ring doorbell that shows two men with hoods up who walked past around the same time that the crime was committed.
The family also said that CCTV at the Shell garage as well as Maybury Casino at the bottom of Turnhouse Road was also being examined for clues by the Police.
On how this has impacted the family, the mother added: “It is scary because it potentially seems to have been premeditated.
“Our boys don't know it has happened yet as my eldest son would not sleep at night with his anxiety. My husband has been fine and if they come back he is ready to give them a hiding but I cannot sleep. How are we supposed to go away and leave the house? We are now very paranoid. We are extremely fortunate they never got in but it is not very nice knowing that they were trying to.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of an attempted housebreaking at a property on Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh, around 1.05am on Sunday, June 27. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 0345 of June 27."
