Police have urged residents of an Aberdeenshire community to be cautious after thieves targeted a number of homes and vehicles.
Residents in the Meiklemill and Modley areas of Ellon were targeted between Wednesday, November 12, and Saturday, November 15.
The incidents were part of a spate of break-ins in recent weeks, which have included the theft of a car, money and electrical items.
The car was stolen in the Craighall area on November 11 after the thief forced his way into the owner’s home and stole the keys.
It was discovered later in the day.
Between Friday and Thursday last week, small amounts of cash were also taken from a car on Barratt Drive, while on Modely Place, electrical equipment worth hundreds of pounds was taken from another car.
A break-in on Bruce Crescent last weekend also resulted in thieves making off with electrical items worth thousands of pounds, along with money and cards.
Last night one Ellon councillor called for locals to keep and eye out for any unusual activity in the town.
Liberal democrat, Isobel Davidson, said: “I’m well aware of the thefts and the majority have been where there have been cars left unlocked.
“It’s really important that people do lock their cars, but at the same time it’s a shame that people can’t feel safe that these things are happening in our area.
“I think it tends to be folk coming to the town from around and about. They are checking doors, so I would urge folk to lock up and look out for anybody that they don’t know and any unusual activity.”
James Harrison, Ellon community policing inspector, said: “A number of homes and vehicles have been targeted in Ellon recently and we are working to identify the people responsible.
“We have been conducting patrols in the areas where these incidents took place and I would like to take this opportunity to urge people to think about taking security measures.”
He reminded residents to lock homes and vehicles and keep keys out of sight, set alarms wherever possible, lock outbuildings, garages and sheds, remove keys from doors and store them in safe place.
Inspector Harrison also suggested using timer switches to make homes look occupied and parking vehicles in driveways or well-lit locations with no valuables in sight.