Thieves have stolen thousands of pounds of jewellery and watches after breaking into a house in South Lanarkshire.

The property in Croftbank Avenue, Bothwell, was ransacked between 11am on Friday and 5pm on Monday when the house was unoccupied.

Police Scotland said a number of personal items were stolen in the break-in, including the high-value jewellery and watches.

The total value of the belongings lost is still being worked out, but officers believe it to be in the thousands.

Heart news said a £50,000 reward for information about the raid is now being offered.

The businessman who owns the home told the radio station: "One (item) in particular was a piece of jewellery that was actually meant to be given to my daughter. They're the ones that you can't get back.

"I feel angry and determined to do all I can to find out who's responsible for it."

Police have been speaking to local residents and checking CCTV in the area.

They are also appealing for witnesses and information which could help trace whoever is responsible.

Inspector Scott McCarren said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area between the times of when the incident is believed to have occurred.

"There was no-one in the property at the time of the incident. However, we understand from our inquiries that a few neighbours nearby heard the property's burglar alarm sounding on the afternoon of Sunday April 9, around 3.15pm, a few hours before the break-in was discovered.

"I would appeal to anyone in the local area who may have seen someone acting suspiciously on Sunday afternoon.

"Did you see a vehicle nearby which you did not recognise? Similarly, have you been offered any jewellery for sale, such as an expensive watch? If you have any piece of information, regardless of how small it might be, please contact police."

In a separate incident, a 69-year-old woman was robbed of jewellery and cash by three masked men in an "extremely frightening ordeal" in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire.

Police said the men broke into the woman's house in Rouken Glen Road at around 5.30pm on Monday.

They threatened the home owner and made off with cash and jewellery when other family members arrived at the address.

Two of the three men got into a dark grey Volvo driven by a fourth man, while the third thief man made off on foot, all in the direction of Eastwood Toll.

The 69-year-old was not injured but is said to have been left "extremely shaken".

The thieves were all wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Craig Faskin said: "This was an extremely frightening ordeal for this woman who was within her own home and those responsible must be caught.

"Officers are still gathering information on this crime and establishing exactly what was stolen from the house and the exact circumstances surrounding the crime.

"Rouken Glen Road would have been very busy around the time of this robbery and I would urge any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, or anyone with information that may assist our ongoing investigation, to contact Giffnock police office through 101.

"Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."