A BRAZEN thief has stolen plants from outside the Baird Institute in broad daylight.

The man was spotted with a woman and child on Lugar Street at around 8.40pm on Sunday, June 24, before helping himself to the baskets and plant pots.

Cumnock resident Michael McPake donated his own time and money to create and maintain the garden at the Baird and was furious after he discovered the theft.

Michael said: “I took pictures of those flowers and had them on the camera club page. Tons of folk have said nice things to me about the flowers and garden.

“Everybody that I’ve spoken to is disgusted about it. It makes me sick.

“It’s atrocious. I’m spitting sparks.”

Michael has reported the incident to the police and has also taken to social media in a bid to bring the culprit to justice.

“I’ve plastered it all over the internet. I’ve had 80 odd responses on Facebook,” Michael added.

“He even had his wife/girlfriend and a wee kiddie with him, how low can you go?

“Thieving is one thing, but bringing a kid along sends out the wrong signal.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.