POLICE in North Ayrshire have arrested a 47-year-old man for alleged theft and drug related offences in Irvine.

On the evening of Sunday, July 3, officers received reports of a man allegedly having stolen items from a house in the town. Police attended immediately and, following enquiries, arrested a man nearby.

Sergeant Jason Peter, of the Irvine Locality Policing Team, said: “The early actions of residents in reporting this incident and the actions of officers responding to the call have resulted in the arrest of this man.

“In a joint effort by response and locality officers, enquiries have since identified a number of other properties in the town where the man had allegedly stolen property or been with the intention to commit theft. We have also been able to return items of property allegedly stolen during these incidents to their rightful owners.

“The man has been held in custody to appear at court and will be reported to the procurator fiscal for alleged offences including the alleged possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

“We would encourage residents to remain vigilant, to ensure their property and vehicles are secure and to visit the Police Scotland website or contact local officers for the latest crime prevention advice.”

Anyone with information on crime in their area is encouraged to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 (in an emergency always dial 999).

Information can also be provided via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.