Residents are being urged to be vigilant after a man was spotted trying a door handle in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A man dressed in black was seen hanging around rear gardens in the Redburn area of Bonhill.
Police were contacted shortly before 5am on December 15 but the male made off before they arrived.
Inspector Mo Boyle said: “We received a report at 4.57am of a man in rear gardens in Redburn. He is also reported trying a door handle.”
She appealed to members of the public for any information and said officers would be making door-to-door enquiries.
She also urged residents to ensure they take steps to keep their property secure, adding: “Please make sure you lock and secure doors at all times.
“Don’t leave keys on display, draw your curtains and take reasonable steps to look after the security of your property.”
Save the Vale community page also posted about the incident on social media, stating: “This time of year its not just Santa that comes to our door, police are looking for a man in the Redburn area last night trying doors etc. Please use timers and ensure all your doors are locked.”
One resident replied: “I stay in Redburn and someone was at my back door on the 7th December, the gate was left wide open (I’m end of terrace), bins had been moved but I must have disturbed them and they legged it because I didn’t see anyone. I didn’t phone the police as I felt I had no evidence, maybe I should have.”
