A THIEF snuck into a house in Port Glasgow in the morning and made off with jewellery - while the family dog slept.
Shocked Kerry Brotherton told how her nine-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier was completely unaware of the intruder in their house in Moorfield Avenue at 8am last Thursday.
But the thief was eventually foiled when her husband motor mechanic John came down the stairs to confront the thief.
He was joined by Kerry's 18-year-old son Kyle, who is rising star of wheelchair athletics.
Unfortunately the thief managed to run off with jewellery, a gift for Kerry for her recent birthday and also some of Kyle's medals.
Shocked Kerry, who works in a hotel, said: "I can't believe it Rocco was sleeping. Even the police were having a wee laugh. He is not the best guard dog. He is a big gentle lump.
"I was on my way to work and I passed the guy in the lane. I couldn't believe it when John phoned to tell me. 
"At first John and Kyle weren't sure what was going on. They heard the door. John came downstairs and basically said what are you doing in my house.
"He then chased the guy outside. It is terrible to think that someone would come in your house when there were people in."
They discovered the jewellery was gone and an ipad and Kyle fears he may have had medals stolen.
But Kerry added: "All I care about is that Kyle was ok and everyone was safe. It was my birthday recently and Kyle's 18th. We went to Dublin to celebrate and all the presents are still there.
Greenock Sergeant Kayley Teasdale is appealing for witnesses to the break in.
She added: "I am appealing for people to be on their guard and make sure their property is secure."