TWO suspected car thieves are being hunted by police after an Audi Q5 was stolen from Helensburgh over the weekend.

The vehicle was reported missing from outside a property in Redclyffe Gardens in the early hours of Sunday morning, November 24, while a second car had also reportedly been entered and a Stihl saw stolen.

Police say a third vehicle nearby, in the Redclyffe Gardens and Kennedy Drive area, was also targeted with a number of personal items taken.

The stolen Audi, similar to that pictured above, was eventually traced by officers and found parked in an area of Alexandria.

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It was said to be intact and was uplifted for a full forensic examination to try and identify those responsible for the theft.

Private CCTV cameras have provided images of a vehicle and two people in the Helensburgh area at the time of the theft who are believed to be responsible.

Police Scotland’s area inspector Roddy MacNeill urged members of the public to take extra safety measures as the darker evenings draw in through winter.

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He said: “I would urge people as we enter the darker evenings to ensure personal items are out of sight in vehicles and all vehicles, outbuildings and main doors are locked.

“Also please ensure car and house keys are kept away from letterboxes or where they can be accessed.

“There is also some evidence, although not relevant in this instance, that the new electronic vehicle keys can have their electronic codes accessed remotely to overcome the security of the vehicle.

“I would encourage people with such car keys to ensure they are a distance from the vehicle or housed in a suitable blocking pouch or Faraday bag which blocks the access to the key.”

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