Police hunt for suspects staking out homes after two cars stolen in linked thefts in Clackmannan

A search has been launched for a man and woman who were spotted staking out homes before two cars were stolen in Clackmannan.

The first theft occurred around 12.10am on Wednesday, when a house on Lethen View was broken into.

A grey Volkswagen Golf was stolen from the driveway, while the suspects made off in a white Volkswagen Golf R.

Thieves struck a second time at around 2.05am on Thursday, when a property was targeted on Hodgson Crescent.

A blue BMW XE A440i was stolen, and the suspects fled in a dark-coloured Volkswagen Golf.

Police say the two incidents are connected and are appealing to witnesses who may have seen anyone suspicious in the area in the day before the thefts.

Inspector Andrew Angus said: “We are appealing to anyone in the local area who has any information or has seen something suspicious in the past few days to come forward and speak with officers.

“We have received reports of a man and woman acting suspiciously in the area and taking photos and would ask that if anyone has witnessed this, they contact us immediately.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to please make sure your property and vehicles are secure.

“One method we are seeing used during recent housebreakings is locks being snapped and entry gained through these means, so I would encourage residents to review their locks and consider replacing then with anti-snap locks and enhanced handles.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0050 of Wednesday, September 9. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.