Police Launch Investigation After Masked Duo Target Whitburn Shop

Authorities in West Lothian are appealing for the public’s assistance following a brazen break-in at a retail premises in Whitburn late last week.

Officers were called to a business on Heartlands Terrace shortly before midnight on Friday, August 21, 2026. According to investigators, two masked individuals forced entry into the building, successfully fleeing the scene with a significant quantity of cigarettes.

Police have released initial details regarding the suspects, noting that two men—both dressed in dark hooded tracksuits and wearing masks—were spotted in the immediate vicinity of the B7066 around the time of the incident. The suspects are believed to have been operating in the area surrounding both the shop and the nearby industrial estate.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Clark, leading the inquiry, has urged the local community to come forward with any information that might aid the investigation into this crime.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious, particularly two men who were in the vicinity of the shop and the nearby industrial estate," DS Clark said.

He further requested that residents with private security systems review their recordings. "I am also asking people living in the area to check private CCTV, and I am calling on anyone who was driving through the area to review their dash-cam footage. Even seemingly minor details could prove vital to our investigation."

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting incident number 4447 of Friday, August 21, 2026. Alternatively, those who wish to remain anonymous can provide information by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.