WEST end homeowners have been warned to after a vehicle was stolen using a special device which takes keys through the letterbox.

A black Mazda C65 was stolen on January 17 after a crook used a long "fish-hook" style device to take the car keys, which had been placed on top of a cabinet in the hallway, through the letterbox.

In a letter to Whiteinch Community Council, Sergeant Alistair Reid urged residents to keep valuable goods out of sight.

He said: "The keys for the vehicle were left in plain sight on top of a hallway cabinet close to the owner's front door.

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"Those responsible have used a thin stick or fishing rod to push through the letter box of the front door and hook the car keys. They have then used the true keys to steal the vehicle before making good their escape.

"Enquires are still being progressed today in relation to this crime. This is an MO that we have seen used on many occasions to steal motor vehicles and I would remind all residents to take the appropriate action to ensure that car keys are not left in plane sight were they can be easily retrieved using this method."

The car was recovered in a car park near Maryhill Road the following day, however, it's condition is not known.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman added: "Around 7am on Thursday, January 17, police were called to a house breaking on Mitre Road, Glasgow.

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"A black Mazda C65 vehicle had been taken.

"The car was recovered on Maryhill Road on Friday, January 18.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.