THREE men have been arrested after police raided homes across Renfrewshire today as part of a crackdown on organised crime.

Officers swooped on properties in Johnstone, Elderslie and Renfrew following a three-month investigation into car thefts across the west of Scotland.

At around 8am this morning, police teams armed with warrants searched homes in Spateston Road and Dee Place, both in Johnstone, Main Road, in Elderslie, and Leven Square, in Renfrew, as well as other properties in Glasgow and Irvine.

Officers seized a number of items during these searches.

Three men – aged 34, 37 and 38 – have been arrested and charged in connection with thefts of vehicles, in addition to charges relating to their involvement in serious and organised crime.

The operation involved divisional officers from Paisley, Glasgow, Ayrshire and Argyll and Bute, assisting colleagues from the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Serious and Organised Crime Team.

Detective Inspector Robert Bowie told The Gazette: “This operation highlights our commitment to tackling serious and organised crime. We will continue to use our resources, targeting those involved in any criminal activity which impacts the lives of our local communities.

"Anyone with concerns regarding criminality in their area can contact police and be assured that officers will act on the information and arrest whoever is involved.”

The three men are due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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