A PAIR of crooks were this week sentenced following a break-in theft in Ayr.

Paul Smith, 41, and Adam Kerr, 38, both of Kyle Street, Ayr, appeared at the town’s sheriff court last week after nicking three bikes and a hedge cutter back on June 1.

The burglars struck at the property on Park Circus, Ayr at 9.30am on June 1.

They helped themselves to three bikes worth over £5,000 as well as a hedge cutter from a garden shed at the property.

Police later received an anonymous tip off as to the whereabouts of the stolen items and they swooped to reclaim them.

The court heard how both men had been drinking alcohol before the incident.

Sentencing, Sheriff John Montgomery said: “I don’t regard this as a drinking escapade.

“What happened is both of you decided together to steal.

“On this occasion it’s not necessary to impose a custodial sentence, but if you do it again it will be a custodial sentence.” Smith was handed a community payback order and will now have to complete 160 hours of unpaid work with in six months.

Kerr was placed under a restriction of liberty order, which means that he is banned from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am for 60 days.