Callous thieves stole a £1,000 teepee from an outdoor childcare group.
Toddlers at the Stramash nursery, which is based at Spynie Hall on the outskirts of Elgin, have been left distraught after the theft of the 10ft tent.
Yesterday, police appealed for the public’s help in tracking down the culprits.
The teepee was stolen between 6pm on Thursday, June 9, and 7.45am the following day.
The beige canvas shelter had a green lower rim.
Constable James Lipscombe urged anyone who saw any “strange activity” around Spynie Hall to get in touch.
He said: “I would appeal to members of the public who may have noticed strange activity in the area around the time in question to get in touch, and would also appeal to anyone who may be offered the teepee to contact the police as soon as possible.
“This incident has caused a great deal of distress to those affected.”
Stramash team leader, Amy Stuart, said she feared someone had been watching the group’s movements before taking the teepee, which was pegged down in a field to the rear of Spynie Hall.
She said the nursery’s children, aged between two and five, were “devastated” when they learned it had been stolen.
Anyone with information on the theft has been urged to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
