TWO men have been charge in connection with drug and theft crimes following an intelligence operation across North Ayrshire.

It was previously confirmed by Police Scotland Ayrshire that a grey Range Rover Evoque was stolen from the car park at the Vikingar in Largs on the morning of Sunday, July 7.

Officers received a report that a jacket was stolen from within the leisure centre that contained the car's key.

Police say that his incident led to the theft of the vehicle, and a series of linked offences across North Ayrshire thereafter.

Offences included stolen registration plates from Largs and Ardrossan, and theft of clothing from Saltcoats.

Extensive enquiries by North Ayrshire’s Priority Policing Team led to a man being identified in connection with these offences.

On Tuesday, July 23, officers acting under warrant attended a property in Largs and a search of the property found the keys of the vehicle, other stolen property, and a quantity of Class B drugs.

One man has been charged with nine offences and a second has been charged with three offences.

Sergeant Fraser from Irvine Police Station said: “These arrests show our determination to tackle acquisitive crime.

"This is a high priority, and with the help of the public, we will continue to target anyone involved in criminal activity.”

A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.