COPS are hunting a couple suspected of nicking a high-value car from a upmarket Glasgow suburb after taking it for a test drive.

The pair tricked a private seller into handing over the vehicle's key fob when they posed as prospective buyers.

After taking the car for a test drive, the crooks later returned to the owner's home in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, and made off with the vehicle.

The unsuspecting owner was duped in handing over the 'true key fob' by fraudsters who claimed to be interested in buying the Mercedes.

Insiders said the scam usually involves some kind of distraction technique.

While doing this, the crooks deliberately confused the owner, handed back a fake fob and kept the original, which was later used to unlock the keyless security system.

It is then thought either one - or both of the suspects - returned later that night and stole the car from outside the seller's home.

In a statement, local police warned: "Be aware if selling a car privately.

"An East Renfrewshire resident recently allowed a prospective buyer a test drive only for them to swap the key.

"The buyer returned later and used the true key to steal the car."

High-value cars are often being targeted with thieves sneaking into unlocked homes to steal vehicles to sell.

Police said some were even using wire with magnets to 'fish' keys from homes.

Other stolen vehicles are being sold to crime gangs for robberies, as well as transporting drugs and stolen goods.

It is estimated criminals who steal high-value cars to order, earn around £1000 a time.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Officers are investigating a report of a theft of a motor vehicle in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, between 7.15pm and 9.15pm on January 22.

"Inquiries are ongoing."

Police launched a dedicated operation aimed at reducing the number of vehicle-related crimes in the Greater Glasgow area.

As revealed by the Evening Times, officers arrested more than 100 suspected crooks during the car crime blitz, dubbed Operation Quarterlight.

More than 60 people were arrested in connection with 253 alleged vehicle crimes.

Another 39 people were arrested during a series of co-ordinated dawn swoops.