Renfrew Man Faces Jail Over Paisley Home Break-In

Prolific Thief Admits Paisley Burglary

A Renfrew man with a history of theft is awaiting sentencing after admitting to breaking into a residential property in Paisley. The break-in occurred overnight between November 10 and 11, 2024, at an address in Braids Circle. During the burglary, 49-year-old David Gault successfully stole a substantial haul of personal items, including a set of car keys, cash, a mobile phone, bank cards, a wallet, gift vouchers, and a glass. Gault, formerly of Viewpark Gardens in Renfrew, pleaded guilty to the burglary. Three additional charges alleging he was found loitering "in the curtilage" of three other properties on Braids Circle without lawful authority were accepted as not guilty by the Crown.

Sentencing Delayed Over Missing Reports

Gault was scheduled to be sentenced at Paisley Sheriff Court this week. However, the court was informed that the mandatory criminal justice social work report had not been prepared. Gault’s defense agent, Stephen Graham, explained that his client had failed to attend the arranged appointment because he had recently moved to Glasgow, requiring a transfer of his case. Sheriff Andrew Berry agreed to adjourn the sentencing until next month to allow for the completion of the reports, alongside a drug treatment testing order assessment. However, Sheriff Berry issued a stern warning that Gault would be remanded in custody if the reports were not ready for the next hearing.

Securing Valuables Against Sneak-In Thefts

Many burglaries occur when opportunistic thieves try door handles to easily access keys and wallets left near entryways. Homeowners should take simple precautions:

• Always keep front and back doors locked, even when you are inside the house during the day or evening.
• Never leave car keys, handbags, wallets, or mobile phones on hallway tables or within easy reach of the letterbox where they can be 'fished' out.
• Store keys in a secure drawer or a signal-blocking Faraday pouch if you own a keyless entry vehicle.