Anthony Lowe carried out the break-in at an Alexandria farmhouse to try and fund his habit and was traced after his DNA was found at the scene.

The 47-year-old stole a bag, jewellery, a glove, a t-shirt and a bag containing perfume during the raid.

In a separate matter, he admitted being in the grounds of another farmhouse near Helensburgh, having intended to commit theft there too.

Lowe previously pleaded guilty to both charges and appeared from custody for sentencing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week.

Fraser Gibson, fiscal depute, told the court The most recent offence took place on December 6 last year at the unoccupied Blairnairn Farm at Glen Fruin, Helensburgh.

Neighbours were driving nearby when they noticed a vehicle driving slowly past their house.

Mr Gibson stated: “As it saw them it sped up and drove up the driveway of the unoccupied farmhouse.

“The witnesses knew the property was unoccupied and did not know the accused and why he would be there. They followed him up the driveway.” The court heard the witnesses stopped and spoke to Lowe, asking him what he was doing.

Mr Gibson said: “He appeared nervous. He said he was looking for Lewis Farm in Drymen.” Lowe also claimed he was looking for collie puppies to buy.

The witnesses were suspicious and gave him directions to the main road.

A short time later, they saw him heading in a different direction and again approached him, when he this time claimed he was looking for directions to Balloch.

They guided him in that direction and he left the area.

The witnesses then contacted police and they successfully identified Lowe at an identification process some time later.

The first incident took place on June 13 last year at Blairennich Farm, Alexandria.

At around 12.55pm the property’s occupier locked the farmhouse and left, returning at around 2.15pm.

Mr Gibson said: “Later that afternoon, her daughter attended and observed broken glass. It appeared that the break-in had happened in the middle of the night. She called her husband then the police.

“While waiting for their arrival she check the grounds and noticed damage to a bedroom window, which had been smashed with a brick taken from the wall. There was also damage to the conservatory window.” The woman then noticed a brown make-up bag with jewellery and a bag containing perfume were both missing. The perfume bag was later found on a table outside the bedroom window along with a black glove which had also been removed from the property. Police turned up and carried out a forensic examination of the property.

Mr Gibson continued: “They observed a finger print on the window ledge and there was blood on the window handle and frame.” Following tests, a match was found with Lowe’s DNA and the occupier confirmed she did not know Lowe.

The value of the goods which were not recovered was between £400 and £500.

Andrew Lambie, defending, told the court his client had a long-standing drug problem and was on methadone while in custody.

Mr Lambie said: “The crimes were committed by the accused to fund his drug habit. At the time the accused was using heroin and diazepam.

“It is clear his offending behaviour and his schedule is connected to drug abuse.

“He is realistic today and clearly expects a further custodial sentence to be imposed.” Sheriff Simon Pender told Lowe, of Hawick Street, Yoker: “You have a very bad record, particularly for theft and house-breaking. It’s clear that a custodial sentence is appropriate.

“It’s important you receive support and supervision on your release in the hope that will have an effect on your continued offending.” Lowe was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. He will be under supervision for a year following his release.