More than 25 gallons of milk has been seized by thieves from schools, nurseries and businesses in Aberdeenshire.
Hundreds of cartons were snatched in a series of early morning raids at sites around Kintore and Inverurie over the last two weeks.
Police believe the milk could have been stolen to order and sold on.
Following one of the first thefts last week, a large number of cartons were found burst and abandoned in a car park.
Last night, detectives were trawling CCTV footage in an effort to identify those responsible.
Constable Doug McMann said thieves had struck eight times since last week, always between 2am and 7am. He said: “This isn’t a case of someone wandering home from a night out and pinching a pint or two for their breakfast. These people would have known what they were doing. They must have known that this milk was intended for young children.”
He said: “We know they have been using a vehicle and we are hoping to be able to identify it soon. They struck at four or five places in one night.
“We believe that the milk is being sold on. Given the volume we’re speaking about, its certainly not being taken for personal use.”
Thieves targeted, amongst others, Les Enfants and Stepping Stones nurseries in Inverurie and Wee Rascals in Kintore. They also stole from the nursery at Kellands Primary School.
Police said the deliveries had been made from several companies.
Last night, Keith Whyte, co-owner of Mitchell’s Dairy in Inverurie, said: “We estimated that we have lost more than 100 litres in the past week or so.
“We’re used to the odd theft here and there, but its very unusual to see something on this scale.”
He said: “Its very frustrating and disappointing for us, but more so for the customers. I hope that if anyone is approached by people selling milk at suspiciously low prices, they’ll contact the police.”
One of the targets was the Coco Works coffee shop at Inverurie Railway Station. A spokeswoman said: “We were hit twice in the last couple of weeks. It was very annoying to turn up and find that all of our milk had been taken.”
Because of its location, the theft from the cafe is being investigated by British Transport Police.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “We can confirm we are aware of a theft of milk at Kellands School in Inverurie and are currently working with Police Scotland regarding this matter.
“As this is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”
It is believe the amount of milk stolen would be worth a low three-figure-sum.