AN elderly couple had belongings worth thousands of pounds stolen from them during a break-in at their Johnstone home.

Thieves sneaked in through an unlocked back door at the property in Peockland Gardens just after 3.30am on Thursday, October 12.

The couple woke to find a wallet, an Omega watch, a football season ticket and a handbag containing credit and debit cards and house keys had been snatched.

The incident is one of a spate of break-ins to have hit Johnstone and the surrounding area in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, a house in Fordbank Drive, Kilbarchan, was targeted overnight, with thieves managing to get in through an insecure door before stealing a laptop worth around £800.

There have also been reports of homes being targeted near the former St Cuthbert’s High School, in Johnstone.

Police are urging residents to make sure windows and doors are locked before they go to bed.

Inspector Cassie Glass, who is based at Johnstone Police Office, said: “These incidents serve as a reminder to residents to keep doors and windows secure as thieves are looking for easy ways to get in.

“With the nights getting darker earlier, thieves will find opportunities to strike.”

Anyone who notices suspicious activity is asked to call the police on 101 immediately.