POLICE are on the trail of a crook who stole a silver Transit van in Bridge of Weir.

The vehicle was locked and secured in Houston Road at around 6pm on Wednesday, with various gardening tools and equipment stored inside the van.

At around 8am the following morning, the 42-year-old owner of the van discovered it had disappeared, despite the victim still being in possession of the vehicle’s keys.

The owner reported the theft to police, who then carried out an extensive search of the area but there was no sign of the van.

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, said enquiries were ongoing to trace the vehicle, with CCTV footage currently being reviewed.

He added: “If anybody has seen anything suspicious or any strange vehicles in the area around this time, please get in touch with us.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to call police on 101.

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