Four high-value cars have been stolen in the north-east overnight.
In Stonehaven a black Audi A4 Avant, with the registration number SK61 UHN, was stolen from Brickfield Road and a white BMW X5 – registration LG61 ZMY – was stolen from Riverside Drive some time after 7pm.
Meanwhile, two vehicles were stolen in Aberdeen in the early hours. A blue Audi Q7, with the registration number M11 BDY, was taken from Queens Road and a black BMW X3 – registration SV66 ZLO – was stolen from The Meadows area of Milltimber.
Police are now appealing for public assistance to help trace the vehicles, which are yet to be traced.
Inspector Chris Kerr said: “These thefts have obviously caused a great deal of anguish and inconvenience for the owners and we have a number of police resources working on these cases.
“We are keeping an open mind as to whether all four thefts are linked and I would ask anyone who has seen any of these vehicles to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“I must stress that the public can greatly reduce their chances of becoming the victim of a crime by locking their vehicles and securing their homes. All of these vehicles have been stolen either because the keys were left in the ignition or because the key was kept close to an unlocked property door.
“These are needless crimes and as I have mentioned, a great deal of valuable police resource has been diverted to investigate these incidents which will impact on the investigation of other crimes reported.
“Please lock your vehicles and keep any valuables out of sight or completely remove them from vehicles overnight. All modern vehicles have central locking and so all we ask that owners press that one button to lock their vehicle.
“The value of these four cars is significant and our officers are progressing each enquiry and we aim to identify those responsible as quickly as possible.
“If anyone recalls hearing or seeing any suspicious activity in these areas during last night or the early hours of this morning I would ask them to call in quoting the following reference number 0492 of April 26 2018.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or, to remain anonymous, contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
