House raiders nick and crash family’s car

Nearby property was targeted a week ago

Crooks snuck into a family home before escaping in their stolen car and crashing into a garden.

Raiders sped off in the black Nissan Qashqai, but lost control and hit two other motors.

They targeted the property after dark and when everyone was in bed.

It comes just a week after thieves swiped thousands of pounds in cash and an Audi A4 from a nearby property.

Inspector Tracy Harkins has urged extra safety checks are carried out at night.

She said: “All doors and windows should be locked whenever you leave your home or go to bed.

“Do not keep keys near the front or back doors or where they can be seen from the outside.

“Families should report any suspicious behaviour they witness in their streets outside homes in the neighbourhood.”

The Qashqai was taken from outside a home in Barterholm Road, Paisley, around 5am yesterday.

The owner had turned in for the night when the criminals struck.

The motor clattered into two parked cars before it came to a stop in Dalskeith Road.

Four people – a woman and three men, dressed in dark clothing – were seen running from it.

Police also warned about a prowler targeting homes in Castle Gardens.

A woman, aged 35, was at home when she heard her front door being tried around 2am on Tuesday.

She only called cops when she spotted a man lurking near her garden shed wearing a head torch the next night.

Officers were called to Main Road around 4am when a thief stole the silver Audi last Thursday.

Five similar break-ins, or attempted break-ins, in the area have been reported to cops in Paisley over the past week.

Those with information on any of these crimes should call Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Families should report any suspicious behaviour they witness in their streets or outside homes Inspector Tracy Harkins