POLICE are warning residents in Irvine to be on their guard after a spate of high-value car thefts.

Officers say a number of expensive cars have been targeted and taken from homes in the North Ayrshire area in the past month.

Police Scotland are urging residents to be extra vigilant when locking their cars and homes at night - with some sets of keys having been swiped from inside homes before the car has been driven away.

An Audi was stolen from Earlswood Avenue in Montgomery Park on October 10 at 1.30am.

Then, just six days later on October 16 a Mercedes and a Nissan car were taken from The Grange in Perceton. Although it is unclear what time the theft took place, the cars were discovered missing by the owner at 8am.

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw said: “Those responsible for stealing these cars have either broken into houses or entered via unsecured doors or windows, stealing the car keys and driving off.

“On most occasions, the car keys have been in full view from the outside of the house which made it easy for the thieves to target the properties.

“I would advise people to make sure their vehicle is properly secured and to keep car keys locked away and out of sight.

“I would also ask the community to report any suspicious activity and provide any information that could assist our enquiries.”