Community cops warn: keep car keys in a safe place

Car thieves targeted an Audi and a BMW, both in the Greenlaw estate, Newton Mearns, between Thursday night and Friday morning (July 3-4).

Inspector Alan Dickson, of Giffnock police station, has warned residents to keep their house and car keys in a safe place and out of reach of the front door, as well as ensuring house and car doors and windows are secure.

He told The Extra: “In each case, thieves were able to hook and steal car keys through the letterbox.

“Our officers are aware of the situation and will provide extra attention while on patrol when they can.

“For now, I would urge people to be mindful of where their car keys are left at nighttime — particularly high value cars, which are often targeted.

“Meanwhile, I would ask anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact us immediately on 101.”

The Newton Mearns area was the target of car thieves in 2013, with a spate of high value thefts last summer resulting in an awareness campaign from community cops.

Police Scotland are investigating a spate of luxury car thefts across Lanarkshire, as cars worth more than £150,000 were reported stolen in Moodiesburn, Stepps, Bothwell, East Kilbride, Wishaw and Coatbridge — however, inspector Dickson added that the Newton Mearns incidents are not considered to be linked.