An Irvine man has been arrested and charged after a would-be thief struck several elderly people's homes and a sheltered housing complex.

The 35-year-old is due to appear in court for alleged involvement in several incidents in Irvine and Kilwinning.

Police were made aware of a man attempting to gain entry to a house in Braehead, Irvine on Sunday, May 3.

On May 7, police were made aware of a number of incidents in Kilwinning, including two where the householders had disturbed a man within their homes and a further incident where a carer discovered a man within a sheltered housing complex.

Officers identified the same man allegedly responsible for all the incidents and he is currently in custody to appear before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court today.

A spokesperson for the North Ayrshire Priority Policing Team said: “It is important to highlight the need to secure your property, even if you are within your home and particularly at night. Sneak in thefts can occur in such a short time and often go unnoticed.

“These incidents were very traumatic for the householders who were all elderly. We are asking the public to remain vigilant, keep their doors locked at all times and report any suspicious activity."