GOUROCK shopkeepers are urging people to be on their guard after brazen thieves stole from their businesses.

Graham Patrick, who owns the Big Night In on Kempock Street, said a young woman snatched costume jewellery and makeup.

The thief struck at around 6pm on Thursday.

He said: "My wife was in the shop at the time and she saw the woman from the counter and she had her back to the counter and was crouched over a big bag.

"My wife heard something drop into the bag and asked to empty her pockets and her bag and she refused.

"My wife told her to leave and said that she was barred."

There is CCTV footage if the incident but the woman was wearing a mask.

Graham said: "I've worked in the shop for 10 years and owned it for the last three years and I have never come across anything like this."

Another shop in Shore Street was also targeted, with alcohol and tobacco stolen after the shopkeeper was distracted.

The female, who doesn't want to be identified, said a man and woman, pictured on CCTV images, came into the shop together.

She said: "The girl put stuff on the counter and tried to pay by card which was declined and she tried to distract me.

"By that time she knew that I wasn't going to serve her and she left.

"The man had put two bottles of Buckfast and tobacco on the counter and asked for a bag, I put them in the bag and he grabbed it and ran off."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call police on 101.