POLICE are appealing for information after Linn House, home to the popular botanic gardens in Cove, was broken into over the weekend.

Owner Helen Foulkes, who took over the running of the peninsula attraction following the passing of the garden's creator, Dr Jim Taggart, last year, reported that the property had been broken into and police had been informed.

It is understood that the home was left secure on Saturday, July 4 and when the owner returned the next day a ground floor window was discovered to be open and a person, or persons, had been within the property.

No items were reported stolen and CCTV footage is being reviewed, although officers say enquiries are at an early stage.

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Police are interested in any information relating to two males and one female allegedly seen at the property on Saturday and Sunday. Those responsible are suspected of housebreaking with intent to steal.

Anyone who may have any information which could assist the police is asked to contact Helensburgh police office.

The Linn has been closed to visitors for health and safety reasons since the start of lockdown but a post on social media said that people had been entering the grounds in recent weeks.

The post said: "It also appears that people are using the garden as a toilet although signs clearly say 'CCTV in operation'.

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"This will be taken further."

The development of the present gardens started around half a century ago and the hidden gem in the Helensburgh and Lomond area's nature trail is described as being a "haven for almost 4,000 species of plant".

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