POLICE are appealing for information after two break-ins and a possible attempted break-in.

These took place in a street in Kilwinning and two different streets in Saltcoats on Friday January 6.

Two of these incidents saw properties broken into while at the other, a group were seen acting suspiciously on the property's grounds.

At one of the homes where entry was gained, the alleged housebreakers made off with a four figure sum of cash.

At two of the reported incidents, police were told that "four men" were spotted at the scene.

A Police Scotland spokesperson explained: "Around 6.25pm, a woman was within her home in Montgomerie Crescent, Saltcoats, when she noticed four men in her driveway looking at vehicles and her house. They did not gain entry to the house.

"Around 7.20pm, a house in Glenbervie Drive, Kilwinning was broken into. When neighbours approached the house, four men ran off.

"Between 5pm and 8pm, a house in Manse Street, Saltcoats was broken into and a four figure sum of cash was stolen."

And officers investigating these incidents now believe that all three may be linked.

Detective Sergeant Peter Sweeney said: “We believe that the same four men are responsible for these incidents and a number of enquiries are ongoing to identify and trace them.

“They were all wearing dark-coloured clothing and may have been using an Audi estate car.

“I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who has any information that may assist this investigation to contact us. We are also keen to obtain any dash-cam or personal footage too."

"Anyone with information should contact 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."