Concerns raised over reports of night prowlers in Largs

Streets including Linn Avenue, Lindsay Crescent, Gateside Street, Alexander Avenue and Queen's Avenue have been named as locations where these incidents have taken place

The worrying matter was raised at Largs Community Council meeting last night by Margaret Woods, who chairs the police sub-committee.

Alexander Avenue (Image: Google Maps)

She said: "I have received various concerns from members of the public concerning doors being tried in these streets, and it is very frightening thing. I gather some people have been in the properties when it has happened. 

"It has happened over recent weeks and started happening just after Christmas.

"Doors have been repeatedly tried so I think it is important to say to people to keep your doors locked and be vigilant.

"I personally know of two people who actually had their doors tried when they were inside their house. I gather the matter has been reported to police."

Margaret had been hoping to raise the matter directly with police at the meeting, but Sergeant Donald Fisher was unable to attend after he had to take a call just before the meeting was about to start.

The North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan is complementary to the Safer North Ayrshire Strategy and delivers against various priorities including reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, and that people feel safe and vulnerable people are protected.

Police have urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour by calling 101 or via the Police Scotland 'Contact Us' section on its website at https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/contact/

Sergeant Donald Fisher of Largs Police urged people to report the matters immediately police rather than just posting on social media.
He said: "It’s fair to say we are of course aware of incidents which get formally reported to us through the normal channels and we will carry out the relevant and proportionate enquiry into those reports.   
"Reports of suspect persons trying door handles would absolutely fall into this category, and I will always encourage that where persons are seen acting suspiciously like trying door handles, then that is something that should get reported to the police. 
"I'd also like to re-assure the community that we don’t limit ourselves to just those formally reported incidents.   
"We do also become aware of incidents that aren't formally reported, like social media posts and our general engagement with the public which I think is very important to maintain.   
"Such incidents also will be given their due attention and are considered both in their individual circumstance and also against the broader picture and wider timeframes.
"Drawing upon such diverse sources of information is what we use to influence our lines of enquiries and to guide pro-active work with measures such as directed patrols of an area where incidents have occurred.  
"As such it is to the advantage of the community and the police for us be made aware of incidents when they occur, and why I encourage reporting information and occurrences to the police.  We can and do act on what we know about, its harder to act on what we don’t know about.
"Having a house broken into is not common and taking a moment of time to ensure routines such as ensuring doors are locked at night, items are not easily visible through looking in, doorbell cameras etc go a long way to help maintaining the security of your home, and giving peace of mind."