POLICE have warned of a "significant" rise in housebreakings in Glasgow where expensive jewellery and cash has been stolen from Asian households.

They said 44 incidents have been reported in the Greater Glasgow area since July, with more than £600,000 of cash and jewellery taken.

Most of the incidents have been in Robroyston and Newton Mearns.

A dedicated team of detectives is on the case and officers are said to be working with their colleagues in other divisions, where similar crimes have taken place.

Detective Inspector John Morrison of the Community Investigation Unit based at Helen Street Police Station said: “We believe that these homes are being targeted as it is only jewellery and cash that is being stolen.

"We also believe that these crimes are linked and we are following a number of lines of enquiry in relation to them."

He said uniform and plain clothed patrols had been stepped up in the areas affected.

DI Morrison added: "We would always urge anyone with high value jewellery and large amounts of cash, not to keep them in the house and take the relevant security measures.

"If you have to store it in your house, store it securely and out of sight, such as in an anchored safe. "Anyone with high value items should take photos of them, as this can assist police identify the pieces, should they be recovered."

He warned people to be vigilant about cold callers and report any suspicious activity to police.

He said: "If you are suspicious in any way at all, do not let cold callers into your home and report the matter to police.

“Anyone with information that may assist our ongoing investigation is asked to contact the Community Investigation Unit based at Helen Street Police Office in Glasgow through 101."