POLICE are on the trail of a crook who stole a van in Linwood.

The white Ford Transit was securely parked in Melrose Avenue at around at 8pm on Thursday but the 25-year-old owner discovered it had been pinched at around 9.15am the following morning.

Police believe the thief used an electronic device to access the van, as the owner was in possession of both keys.

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, said: “Please get in touch if you have seen anybody acting suspiciously in the area at this time.”

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call officers on 101.