A FAMILY feared their dog was snatched after their Girvan home was ransacked in a shameless break in.

Thieves gained access to the house and waded through personal belongings in a daylight burglary which has left the family devastated - and also locked the family dog in a cupboard.

Irreplaceable items of sentimental value were taken from the home in the Torcy Drive area of Girvan. The family were left in a panic after they thought their dog had also been taken, but found the traumatised pooch locked in a cupboard.

The victim of the crime shared her family’s agony in a Facebook post, appealing for witnesses to come forward.

In the post she described the family feeling “completely shaken” and “unsafe” in their own home after the ordeal.

She said: “My family and I are absolutely devastated that our house has been broken into today at around noon and our bedrooms completely ransacked we are so devastated that we thought our wee dog had been taken along with our belongings, but fortunately she was locked in a cupboard and is completely traumatised from what has happened.

“A lot of what has been taken is of sentimental value and is simply irreplaceable. If anyone has any information or has seen anyone acting suspicious around the Torcy Drive area or Girvan town today I am begging you to please call the police and give them any information no matter how little or how small you may think it is that could help with their inquiries.”

Police have confirmed that a spate of homes have been broken into during daytime hours over the last weeks.

Residents in Ayr and the Maybole area have been urged to keep a look out for any suspicious activity.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Police told the Ayr Advertiser: “South Ayrshire Police are appealing for information after a spate of homes have been broken into in the last few weeks.

“We are urging residents of Ayr, Minishant, Maybole and Girvan and all of our residents to be vigilant after the break-ins occurred during daytime hours.

Detectives at Ayr Criminal Investigation Department are believe that a vehicle is being used in conjunction with the crimes.

DS Jane Hogg of the unit added: “We know that a vehicle was used in the commission ofthese break-ins and we would ask that you report any suspicious activity seen in these areas”.

The rbeak-in happened on May 22. Anyone with information that could assist the enquiries can contact Detective Sergeant Jane Hogg, of Ayr Criminal Investigation Department by calling on 101. Alternatively, contact CRIME STOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.