POLICE are on the hunt for a suit-wearing thief who ransacked a Saltcoats home in broad daylight and stole a four-figure sum of cash and jewellery. 

The suspect fled after he was disturbed mid-theft by the owner of the house and now police are appealing for information following the incident in the town's Montgomerie Crescent yesterday (Wednesday, November 27).

The incident occurred between 12.45pm and 1.50pm when the man forced entry to a house in Montgomerie Crescent.

He then ransacked the house and stole a four-figure sum of money and a quantity of jewellery.

The suspect was disturbed by the 53-year-old female householder returning home and he made off on foot heading southwards on Montgomerie Crescent and then into Winton Street, Saltcoats.

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 6, around 58-60 years, medium build, dark, thick/greasy hair with a tanned complexion. He was wearing a dark coloured suit jacket, white shirt with dark stripes, dark coloured trousers and formal shoes. He was carrying a dark coloured rucksack.

Detective Constable Stuart Ferguson at Saltcoats CID said: “This was a very traumatic experience for the householder who witnessed a stranger coming out of her home and even more so to find that her home had been left in such a devastated state and her money and jewellery stolen.

“I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the suspect hanging around the vicinity prior to the housebreaking taking place or anyone who either recognises his description or may have seen him in the area afterwards. I’m also keen to speak to anyone who was driving in the area and may have captured the suspect on their dash cam.

Anyone with information should contact Saltcoats CID via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 1833 of 27 November 2019. Alternatively calls can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.