POLICE are on the trail of a crook who stole a black Ford Transit van in Erskine.

The owner of the van observed that his vehicle was securely parked outside his Barholm Drive home at around 2.30am on Friday, December 4.

However, the 52-year-old man, who was in possession of both sets of van keys, discovered it had been stolen at around 9.50am later that morning.

Enquiries are ongoing and footage from CCTV cameras is being reviewed as part of a police investigation.

Officers are keen to trace the owner of a dark BMW 4x4 that was seen near the van at around 4am on Friday.

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, said: "If there are any other witnesses who have seen this vehicle or suspicious activity taking place during these times, please get in touch.

"We are also appealing for information from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of Barholm Drive at that time."

Anyone who can help the police with their investigation is asked to call officers on 101.