A probe has been launched by cops after thousands of pounds of cash and jewellery were stolen from Paisley homes just minutes from one another.
Callous thieves raided both properties in the town on Sunday afternoon, making off with jewellery, electronics and a four-figure sum of cash - with both housebreakings taking place within just hours of one another.
Police in Paisley have now launched an investigation establish if both incidents are linked and are urging people to ensure their homes are secure as enquiries continue.
The first break-in took place between 1pm and 2pm on Sunday afternoon when residents at a property on Barshaw Drive returned home to discover raiders had forced their way into their home.
A large quantity of high-value jewellery had been taken from the house, which police say is worth thousands of pounds.
Just over a mile away, another property was targeted on Patrick Street between 2.40pm and 6.45pm, with homeowners also returning to find that crooks had raided their home.
This time, a laptop and a four-figure sum of cash had also been swiped from the property.
Detective inspector Ian Ross, of Paisley CID said it is not yet known if both housebreakings are linked.
He told the Express: "Both of these incidents saw a a substantial amount of cash and valuables taken from properties while the homeowners were out on Sunday afternoon.
"In both cases, the suspects have forced their way into the homes of the victims and made off with high-value items.
"We have launched a full investigation into this and are currently making enquiries to establish if these incidents are linked."
Officers in Paisley have now issued a message to homeowners in the area to ensure their homes are secure and to be on the lookout for anyone acting suspiciously in the area.
Residents are also being urged to get in touch with police if they have any information which could assist in their enquiries.
Det Insp Ross added: "While out enquiries are continuing into these despicable thefts, we would ask residents to remain vigilant and ensure their homes are secure and all valuables are locked away to prevent callous thieves taking advantage of homeowners.
"Anyone living nearby the targeted homes, or anyone in the area at that time, especially as both incidents occurred during the day, who has any information they think could assist us in our enquiries, please do get in touch.
Express readers with information can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 555 111.
