MEDICAL practices and pharmacies are on high alert after prescription drugs were stolen.

Warnings were issued after a house was broken into at Blackwood Avenue in Catrine between 6.30pm and 11pm on August 18.

After gaining entry, the culprits ransacked cupboards and stole several items of property as well as a quantity of prescription drugs.

PC Lafferty is dealing with inquiries into the incident and is urging anyone with information to contact him at Cumnock police office on 101, quoting reference number 4744.

There are concerns regarding the medication falling into the wrong hands and officers are anxious to trace the stolen drugs as soon as possible.

Anonymous contact can be made at Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or logging on to crimestoppers-uk.org and leaving information.

PC Craig Marshall, Preventions and Interventions officer, also issued a warning following the incident.

He said: “Do not take medication if it has not been prescribed to you.

“There is no way of knowing what the side effects could be. At best they will make you ill but, at worst, you could end up with a fatal or life-changing condition.

“If found, these items or any similar drugs, should be handed into the nearest police station, doctor’s surgery, chemist or medical centre — without delay.”

Drugs still cause upset and worse within our communities.

In a separate incident a 48-year-old man was allegedly found in possession with a Class B substance in Townhead Street, Cumnock.

He has been reported to the procurator fiscal and could face court action in relation to the allegation.

PC Marshall added: “Whatever your view is on drugs, they can be very dangerous to your health and can kill.

“The advice of police in Cumnock and throughout the country is straightforward – don’t take drugs.

“There is no safe way to take drugs – there is always a risk. The only way of staying safe is to avoid drugs altogether.”

Call 101 if you have any concerns on the issue.