Police have created an e-fit of the woman

A number of homes in the north and south of the city have been broken into since May.

On most occasions, the stolen property included cash, jewellery, and laptop computers.

The majority of the robberies have taken place either in the afternoon or in the evening at empty properties.

Police are looking to speak to a woman who has been seen nearby on several occasions.

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The woman is white, 23 to 25 years old, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins, of medium build, with an eastern European accent.

She is smartly dressed, with a pale complexion, a round-shaped face, and shoulder-length blonde hair, which is sometimes in a ponytail.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We are keen to speak to this woman following a number of housebreakings across the city.

"Anyone who recognises this woman from the e-fit image should get in touch with us.