AN investigation is underway after a would-be thief tried to break into a popular community farm in Erskine.

The incident at Lamont Farm, in Barrhill Road, is believed to have taken place between 1am and 9am on Saturday.

Around £500 worth of damage was caused during an unsuccessful attempt to gain entry through the fire doors of the farm’s main barn.

The attempted break-in comes at a time when the charity is struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus lockdown.

Trisha Craig, manager at Lamont Farm, said she was “very disappointed” when she discovered the damage.

“Both of the push-bars on the fire doors were completely broken,” she told The Gazette.

“Luckily, all of our bigger animals were out in the field, so they wouldn’t have noticed anything, and the smaller animals are kept at the other side of the farm.

“Some of our ducks and geese were stolen nearly a year ago and thieves also once stole a 10-foot python and a baby python.”

Anyone who has information about the break-in bid is asked to call officers on 101.