HOUSEBREAKING figures in Govanhill have more than doubled in two years as local people are afraid to leave their homes unattended.

In the first four months of 2015 there were 50 housebreakings at homes in the south side community.

But for the same period this year there have been 108 - meaning the small area is averaging 27 break-ins per month.

Frances Stojilkovic, of the Govanhill Community Campaign, said: "That is a lot of people's houses to have been broken into and a lot of people affected.

"They are afraid to go out and leave their houses.

"People were starting to feel a bit better because we know the police are making an effort and we are seeing police out on the streets.

"But if houses are getting broken into then it's not making enough of a difference."

In 2015 there were 206 housebreakings in Govanhill homes as well as four "non-dwelling" housebreakings and 41 in "other premises".

For 2016 these figures were 252 housebreakings in residential properties with four "non-dwelling" housebreakings and 32 "other premises".

In the first four months of this year there were already 108 home housebreakings - including 48 in April, the highest number in one month during the past two years.

If the year continues in the same trend, 2017 would have 324 home housebreakings.

Residents report coming home to find their front doors sawn in half underneath the lock and the bottom section pushed open.

Others said burglars managed to squeeze in through small bathroom windows.

The Evening Times told in April how a resident of Allison Street whose home had been broken into.

His tenement flat was targeted after thieves came round knocking doors to see whose home was empty.

The resident, who was new to the area, had a laptop, Rolex watch, hi-fi system and a 103-year-old antique gold knife taken.

Chief Inspector Ross Allan, based at Cathcart Police Station, said officers are well aware of residents' concerns.

He said: “Housebreaking is one of the key areas of concern for residents in the Govanhill area, and a great deal of work is ongoing with a variety of our partners to target this issue.

“Our local Problem solving team, supported by divisional officers, is focussed on identifying and disrupting prolific offenders in the area and is proactively working within the community to reduce acquisitive crime.

“Support from the local community is absolutely vital and I would urge residents to pass on any information or concerns they may have by contacting Cathcart Police Station via 101 or by speaking to our officers out on patrol.”

Frances added: "We are hoping that the First Minister will listen to our concerns, including housebreaking.

"These numbers are shocking."