Cold comfort as thieves nick man’s boiler

A homeowner who went to investigate after his heating stopped working was shocked to find crooks had stolen his whole boiler.

The 61- year- old man was left scratching his head after finding the meter and heater gone from his outbuilding in Clark Street, Paisley.

Police are now probing the bizarre theft.

It’s understood the victim had been away and returned to find the boiler had been fully removed along with the meter and a pressure washer.

In order to remove a boiler, the gas needs to be shut off and water removed.

Officers say it is likely the crooks would have needed a vehicle to take the heavy equipment away and a working knowledge of boilers.

Inspector Tracy Harkins from Paisley’s community policing team is appealing for potential witnesses to come forward.

She said: “We are investigating the theft of a boiler, meter and other items from an outhouse in Clark Street.

“We believe the incident took place between December 1 and December 11. The victim, a 61 year- old man, discovered the theft after his heating stopped working.

“We are now appealing to anyone who may have saw or heard anything suspicious in Clark Street to come forward.

“This is an unusual theft and we are keen to trace those responsible.

“It is likely the suspects would have required a vehicle to take the boiler away.

It’s also likely they had a knowledge of boilers and gas.”

She added: “I’d ask that people in the area to check CCTV or dashcam footage if they have driven in the area recently.

“If you have any information, please get in touch with officers in Paisley.”

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