COPS HUNT FOR INTRUDER WHO TARGETED HOMES ON SAME NIGHT
Warning after raider using phone torch got into houses
Police have issued an intruder alert after a prowler left homeowners terrified when he targeted their houses late at night.
Cops received a spate of calls from frightened householders in Erskine on Monday night as a crook attempted to steal from a number of homes.
He homed-in on addresses in Portsoy, Findochty and Newburgh,
Erskine between the hours of 10pm and 11pm.
He was captured on CCTV trying doors and entering a number of properties, police revealed yesterday.
The suspect is described as approximately 6ft wearing a dark jacket, with a red shirt or jumper underneath, light coloured trousers and was carrying a mobile phone with the torch on.
Officers raced to the scene however the suspect had made good his escape by the time they arrived. Enquiries are continuing .
Police said they will be stepping up night patrols in the area following the “distressing” incidents.
Inspector Allan O’Hare, from Johnstone, Renfrew and the villages community policing team said: “This would be a very distressing incident for people to find an intruder in their own homes.
“I would ask that any resident in this area who has CCTV, and has not already contacted police, to check their CCTV and see if they can assist in identifying this male.
“Officers are carrying out door to door enquires and there will be additional patrols in the area overnight.”
Inspector O’Hare urged members of the public to take every precaution against would-be thieves operating in the area, including always locking up.
He added: “I would ask again that all residents even while in their own homes make sure that doors and windows are locked to stop opportunist thieves like this from being successful.
“If you see anyone acting suspiciously then call 999 immediately or if you have information as to who may be responsible for call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
This would be a very distressing incident for people to find an intruder in their own homes