HOUSEBREAKINGS have soared in South Ayrshire by nearly a third over recent months.

There were 107 incidents between April 1 and July 31 – up 30 per cent on last year. 

South Ayrshire police Chief Inspector Brian Anderson has warned home owners to keep their windows shut after a number of thieves secured entry through them.

The area commander said travelling criminals had targeted homes in certain areas. 

He said: “Windows were left open during the summer period. It was a common approach for some of the housebreakings.”

Speaking at the South Ayrshire Council Partnerships Panel yesterday he told councillors the police force was running an action plan to tackle the problem. 

The total for each South Ayrshire ward between April 1 and July 31 was:

Troon: 14 

Prestwick: 4 

Ayr North: 18

Ayr East: 5

Ayr West: 25

Kyle: 9

Maybole North, Carrick and Cumnock: 16

Girvan and South Carrick: 16

Crime has shot up by nine per cent overall – with 3,454 offences taking place.