A PENSIONER has this week spoken of her heartache after callous thieves ransacked her home and made off with items of gold jewellery.

The 66 year-old, who lives in Netherton Drive, Barrhead, was left badly shaken by the theft.

It's understood that the woman returned to her home at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, August 9, when she discovered her treasured items had been taken.

The woman, who has asked not to be named. said: "I didn't come home until 10.30pm. I'd sat down, had my tea, and saw a scarf lying on the sink unit and it shouldn't have been there.

"That's when I went up stairs to find drawers pulled out, my case out the wardrobe and two cases of jewellery stolen."

It's understood that the value of the stolen items is around £1000.

The woman continued: "I don't know how they got in.

"The back door might not have been locked because that's the way they came out.

"They never touched anything else in the house, just the gold jewellery.

"My grandson's gardening tools were sitting in my hall and they never touched them."

The pensioner's daughter admitted the incident was "very concerning" for her elderly mother.

She said: "They took nearly £1k of various gold jewellery.

"I don't think any of her neighbours saw anything suspicious but it's very concerning as she lives alone."

Now the victim is warning others in her street to make sure their properties are secure.

She said: "What I'm wanting people to do is check their doors.

"I've got an alarm and I didn't have it on, so I was complacent.

"I've had alarms for years now and I very seldom use it. Now I'm using it all the time."

Deputy chief inspector Allan Dickson of Barrhead Police is urging local residents to be vigilant in the fight against house breaking.

He said: "We would urge all residents to make sure their properties are secure when they leave them, by that during the day, or at night.

"This is the time of year when opportunist thieves are active and our advice is to lock both your front and rear doors to deter them."

Meanwhile, an elderly couple were robbed on Thursday, August 4 in Arthurlie Street- while they were out in the garden.

It's understood that the incident happened at 3.30pm when an opportunist thief is thought to have jumped over a garden fence and went in through an unlocked back door.

It's understood that an i Pad and other items were stolen from the house.

Police are investigating the recent spate of thefts and are appealing for any information.

If you have information you can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed on anonymously.