A Kilmarnock thief has used a dog while carrying out a raid on a car in the town.
CCTV footage shows a man prowling around vehicles on an estate – accompanied by the pooch.
The crystal-clear video from Ardgour Road shows the thief open the door of a plush Audi A3 and rifle through the contents while the dog patrols the area.
The man takes his time, entering the front and the back of the car, before setting off.
It’s thought that the thief uses the animal to make him look like an innocent dog walker out for a stroll.
Police have issued advice to the public following a spate of car thefts in the past week.
The development comes after recent weeks where masked gangs have been trying to access properties.
The incident on Ardgour Road took place at around 2.30am on Friday, February 14.
The raider stole electrical items worth a two-figure sum. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting the reference of 2889 of the 15th.
The incident was followed by a theft from a vehicle on Hill Street on Sunday, February 16 at 1.30am.
Again, electrical items worth a two-figure sum were stolen from the motor.
And between 10.10pm on Sunday, February 17 and 7.30am on Monday, February 18, a three-figure sum of cash and tools were nicked from a car on Glenkinchie Road.
Anyone with information on that incident is being asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting the reference of 0432 of the 18th.
Police have urged residents to report any instances of theft to them so they can investigate each matter.
Safer communities officer PC Craig Marshall told the Kilmarnock Standard: “I would encourage car owners to lock all items out of sight.
“Don’t leave anything on display and take valuables with you.
“If you have a sat-nav, hide the cradle and take the system with you. Don’t forget to wipe the suction marks off the window.
“If you have personal correspondence in the vehicle, then take it with you.
“Don’t give others access to important personal information or your home address. Use an electronic or mechanical immobiliser such as a steering lock and if you have an alarm then make sure it’s set.”
PC Marshall added: “A number of thefts have also been from vans and I am appealing to all tradespeople to be vigilant and ensure that their tools and equipment is stored securely out of sight.”
