A CROOK has been caught on CCTV attempting to open car doors outside an Irvine home – on the same night a van was broken into.

Residents across the town are growing concerned at the rise in attempted break-ins to homes and vehicles.

One resident was able to capture the would- be-thief trying every car outside their house on Martin Avenue on Sunday, September 27.

Another vehicle was targeted on the same street.

On the same night, along the road in Dickson Drive, money was stolen after a

thief gained access to a works van. They also removed a radio worth £200 out of the back but threw it away on a hedge further down the road.

Nicolle Morrison has warned the town to make sure that people keep their vehicles locked.

The van broken into belongs to her partner Scott and she told the Times that a friend noticed a male suspect before the raid took place.

She said: “He was wearing a camouflage jacket/jumper and had a mask on.

“The front was raided, and money was taken. Luckily it wasn’t much. He also took a £200 radio out the back but ditched it in a hedge just down the road and we thankfully found that.

“Make sure your vans and cars and doors are kept locked.”

A resident of Martin Avenue said attempted break ins have been common during lockdown, adding: “They are just chancing their luck.”

Police are aware in the concerns in the neighbourhood and are investigating, after a number of confirmed thefts in Martin Avenue, Dickson Drive and Campsie Way.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police attended reports of theft from several cars within Martin Avenue ,Dickson Dr and Campsie Way Irvine.

This is an ongoing investigation and further enquiries are being carried out to identify person(s) responsible".

Locality Policing Inspector Andy Dolan, from Irvine, said: "I'd like to thank members of the community for bringing this matter to our attention and ensure everyone that we are carrying out extensive enquiries.

"Incidents like this go some way to show the importance of ensuring that your homes and vehicles are fully secure at all times, particularly as the darker nights draw near.

"By making sure your doors are locked, you can deter any opportunistic thieves who may be operating in the area."