OPPORTUNISTIC thieves are nicking cars from people in Renfrewshire who fail to secure their homes overnight.

While unsuspecting owners are sleeping, the crooks are going door-to-door and until they find a property unlocked. 

They are then taking the opportunity to steal property, including car keys. 

Just this week, two cars were stolen from Duncraig Crescent in Johnstone from insecure homes on Wednesday night, although they were subsequently recovered. This followed the theft of a red Vauxhall Corsa from Fauldshead Road, Renfrew, in October.

Meanwhile, a white Ford Transit van was nicked from a driveway in Ranfurly Road, Bridge of Weir, last week.

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While police are still conducting enquiries into these thefts, they are urging residents across Renfrewshire to take care and secure their homes.

The Gazette:

Inspector Glass is urging people to take care 

Inspector Cassie Glass, based at Johnstone, said: "People are still leaving their doors unlocked and this is only encouraging opportunisitic thieves. 

"They will go door-to-door and see if they have been left unlocked. They will then take advantage of that and steal property, including car keys.

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"We are urging people to please ensure their homes are locked when they go to bed at night and their cars secure."

If anyone has any information on any of the recent thefts in the area, please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.