A theatre-goer who attended a Barrfields stage show was shocked upon returning home to find that she had lost an awful lot more than 'Half a Sixpence'- after her house had been ransacked.

A series of thefts, including house break-ins, occurred in Largs during the past week.

Police have stepped up patrols, and are following ‘some positive lines of enquiry’ to the break-ins The victim said: “I had enjoyed a fabulous night at the Largs Amateur Operatic Society musical ‘Half a Sixpence’, on Friday. We came home, after the show, to find we’d been burgled! Not a pleasant experience. This was a slick operation, not a ramdom hit. They disabled the lock on the back door. The police and locksmith said it was an unusual method for Largs. We lost more than Half a Sixpence! They took all the cash notes from my handbag and any other cash they could find. The search of our home was methodical and thorough. I’ve lost my jewellery box, which had a lot of sentimental items in it. My 21st watch, a small engraved locket I’d had since birth and my daughters’ christening bracelets are the most upsetting. Also several boxes with jewellery in them.

“With so many good shows coming up, be careful what you leave at home in the evening. Make sure your home is secure. We thought ours was!’