Criminals escape on foot

Cops foiled a car crime gang after a high-speed pursuit t h ro u g h r u ra l Renfrewshire.

The drama unfolded in the early hours of yesterday morning as officers went to investigate a stolen Ford Transit that had been dumped in remote Reilly Road in Houston.

When officers arrived around 2am, another suspicious motor turned up but took off when the driver spied the police.

Fearing this car – aVauxhall – was linked to the earlier van theft, officers activated their vehicle’s blue lights and gave chase through the back roads.

However, the criminals bailed out the car after crashing and lost officers.

Despite cops calling in the dog branch to help hunt the suspects, they were able to make good their escape.

But they may have left vital clues behind as investigators recovered a lock knife, keys and a torch from the scene, which they say could lead them to the culprits.

Sergeant Alan Mack, who is based in Johnstone, said: “Officers went to investigate a Ford Transit van which had been abandoned in Reilly Road in Houston. The van had been stolen in Alexandria between April 4 and 5.

“When officers arrived another car showed up but took off when it driver noticed the police. A pursuit occurred but the occupants were able to make good their escape on foot after crashing the car.

“We recovered a number of items from the scene, including a lock knife, keys, and a torch. Both the Ford Transit van and the Vauxhall have been seized by police and enquiries are continuing.

“If you have any information in relation to the stolen Transit, or if you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Reilly Road area of Houston, then we would like to hear from you.”

If you have any information you should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.