POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a break-in at a Hardgate garage that saw hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes stolen.

A team of five hit the Old Mill Garage in Dumbarton Road around 1.30am on Friday morning.

One stayed in the dark blue Jeep Grand Cherokee while four others, in dark clothing and balaclavas forced their way into the site.

Using crow bars it took them four minutes to get inside and then they spent just a minute there before a resident living nearby challenged the men.

Police said the men were seen driving off in the direction of Milngavie and had taken about £200-300 worth of cigarettes.

A small recovery vehicle was seen on CCTV nearby at the time and officers are keen to speak to them and to any other drivers who might have dash-cam footage. Anyone nearby with private CCTV is also asked to get in touch.

John Rodden, 33, was jailed for five years after turning up at the garage on April 24 last year armed with an axe and threatening an employee before making off with £415 from a cash machine. Two days later, he raided the Scotmid store in Riddell Street and made off with £330.

A co-accused was acquitted of the garage robbery on a not proven verdict. Rodden was convicted by a jury at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Anyone with information on the August 4 attack is asked to contact Clydebank police on 101.