POLICE are appealing for the public's help after a space of racing pigeon thefts across Dumbarton and the Vale.

In the first reported incident, 10 prize Belgian pigeons were stolen from a loft in Hawthorn Way, Dumbarton overnight on June 10-11.

Three nights later, on June 13-14, around 30kg of pigeon feed was stolen from a loft in the town's Millburn Crescent.

A second loft was damaged and a further 20 pigeons released or stolen.

In the final incident, a further eight racing pigeons were stolen from a loft in Alexander Street, Alexandria overnight on June 15-16.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Pigeon racing is a sport which is enjoyed around the world and there is a lot of time spent training and rearing the pigeons as well as value attached to the pigeons themselves.

"We are appealing for the help of the public to help trace and reunite these racing pigeons with their owners.

“We are asking anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious at any of the locations where thefts have occurred, or who have any information that could assist with the investigation, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 3602 of 16/06.”

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.