Thieves swipe floor buffer and smash up vending machines at swimming pool

A crook nicked a floor buffer and ransacked vending machines after breaking into a swimming pool.

The bizarre theft at the Victory Baths, in Renfrew’s Inchinnan Road, is one of a number of breakins reported in the town over the last five days.

Police say thieves forced open the side door of the building between 2.30pm on Friday and 5pm on Monday.

They stole cash from the vending machines and took a large floor cleaner from the premises before making off.

Cops are also investigating after a hairdressers in Dunlop Street was targeted by a lout trying get inside using a length of wood.

He was spotted acting suspiciously at the front and rear of the salon around 5.40pm on Sunday.

Officers were also called to reports of man allegedly breaking into a pub in the town’s Ferry Road.

It’s claimed the 37-year-old hid inside Cottons Bar around 6.50pm on Monday until police arrived and arrested him.

A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.

Police have urged people to remain vigilant in the area and to make sure their homes and businesses are locked and secured as they appealed for information.

Sergeant Kevin McGee, from Renfrew, Johnstone and the villages community policing team, said: “There have been a number of housebreaking incidents in the Renfrew area in the last few days which we are investigating.

“I would ask anyone who has any information about any of them to come forward to police.

“I would also urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately.”

He added: “Can I also ask that people make sure their property is locked and secured at all times, even if you are home.

“This will go some way to protecting your property against opportunistic thieves operating in the area.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

I would urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicous behaviour