Police are hunting thieves who raided four north-east sheltered housing complexes and stole alcohol and cash.
The break-ins all happened in the Fraserburgh area – at the town’s Albany Court and Windmill Court and at Mitchell Court in nearby Sandhaven and Malcolm Forbes Court in Rosehearty.
Although the thieves escaped with less than £100 in cash, investigating officers have described the incidents as “unpleasant crimes” for the vulnerable residents of the complexes.
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses to come forwards.
“These are unpleasant crimes but I would like to reassure the public that they are a rare occurrence within our communities,” a spokesman said.
“We are treating the incidents as linked and I would urge anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact Police Scotland.”
Police have now urged residents in Fraserburgh and the surrounding villages to “take every precaution” to avoid becoming the victim of a break-in.
The spokesman added: “This includes securing your property and ensuring that all doors and windows are locked to prevent similar offences occurring in the future.”
Last night, Fraserburgh councillor Brian Topping – chairman of the local community safety group – deplored the alarming” crimes and echoed the call for residents to be vigilant.
“This is really a warning to people – it is happening,” Councillor Topping said.
“It is very, very concerning to my constituents who live in the sheltered housing.
“I am aware there have been other break-ins and attempted break-ins to people’s shops, homes and vehicles recently.
“There has been a spate of it going on. People need to be extra vigilant now that sheltered housing has been targeted.”
All four of the sheltered housing complexes targeted are managed by Aberdeenshire Council.
