Police are investigating a new spate of shoplifting incidents in Largs, including a pound shop in town that was targeted twice in the same day.

It was one of two premises to be hit twice in the same day during the past month, police reports have revealed.

The Poundbasket in Gallowgate Street suffered at the hands of shoplifters on two occasions on July 2.

In a police report to Largs Community Council, it was revealed that a dozen shoplifting incidents took place in the town during the reporting period of mid-June to mid-July.

A number of premises in the town were targeted including Home Hardware, Co-op and Tesco, during the spree, with Morrison's Supermarket in Irvine Road targeted twice on the same day on July 15.

At present, there have been no arrests, according to the report provided to community council.

Police Scotland revealed at recent North Ayrshire Council meeting that there was a greater focus on shoplifting after a reported rise in such offences.

The report to local councillors said: "The current year to date has seen an increase in the number of theft by shoplifting crimes in the sub division.

"A dedicated retail crime team has a focus on the crimes of shoplifting to detect crimes when they occur and to work with retailers to prevent crimes taking place.

"The team will focus on working with retailers to expedite the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

"Officers engage with the retailers to share information in relation to thefts, provide details on items most likely to be targeted and to ensure security officers within retailers are aware of any current trends.

"North Ayrshire has been subject of organised criminal teams who are operating throughout the country.

"And the use of police bail undertaking or court ordered bail conditions are one method of protecting retailers across North Ayrshire."