TWO dogs have been hailed as heroes after thwarting an alleged thief in the middle of a break-in bid at a Chinese takeaway in Largs.

Tourist Paula Reader, who hails from Essex, visits the town every year on holiday and spotted something suspicious in Boyd Street after her pets - a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Scooby and a sheepdog called Amy - began barking suddenly in the middle of the night.

The noise from the ever-alert dogs foiled the break-in bid at the Shanghai takeaway as police responded quickly to a phone call from Paula and rushed to the scene.

Paula told the News: "There was a banging noise outside and that set the dogs off.

"I carefully looked out between the blinds of my window and saw somebody who appeared to be staggering as if they were drunk.

"Next thing, I noticed that there appeared to be footprints on the door of the Chinese Restaurant across the road.

"A man was walking around and leaning on the side of the door."

The 30-year-old added: "I could see that the man was putting gloves on yet it was a very mild night, and thought, 'that doesn't look right' and contacted the police.

"The burglar had managed to get enough room by breaking and entering to force his way though a broken area of glass.

"Next thing I could just see his legs hanging out.

"The police officers arrived very quickly, and managed to get inside by smashing part of the window which had already been broken in order to get in, and then they arrested him right away.

"Two more cop cars then arrived.

"As he was arrested and marched out, I shouted over 'You shouldn't have set the dogs off and now you are nicked!' and he was whisked away in the police car."

Ms Reader was thanked by the Chinese restaurant and the police for her efforts in raising the alarm.

She said: "At the end of the day, I was just doing whatever anyone else who was responsible would have done."

"I have helped protect the Shanghai takeaway from losing business, and they were most grateful and provided me and my friend with a free takeaway."

"My Staffie terrier Scooby would not leave my side after it happened.

A man aged 27 has been arrested in connection with theft by housebreaking and alleged drug possession and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.