CCTV images have been released.
Police are hunting a thief who stole a woman’s handbag from a city mosque.
The theft happened at about 2.35pm on Sunday at the Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre on the Spital in Old Aberdeen.
Officers now hope a man, who was recorded on CCTV entering the building that afternoon, can help with their investigations.
The man was wearing a grey hoodie, with blue jeans and a green body warmer.
He said he was going to pray and headed upstairs before leaving a short time later.
One woman at the mosque later reported her bag – containing important items such as her driving licence and bank cards – had gone missing.
Police are treating the incident as a theft.
Ma’aruf Razzak, the president of the mosque, said the theft victim had taken her child to the bathroom when the incident happened.
He added: “And when she came back, her bag she had left in the room had gone missing – she’s missing her phone, purse, money, driving licence, bank cards and other personal belongings.
“We never really encounter any problems or issues because the local community around the mosque is very nice so I think this is a one-off, opportunistic crime.”
Old Aberdeen, Tillydrone and Seaton councillor Ross Grant said: “This crime is really quite shocking – someone has completely taken advantage of a vital community resource.
“I’m very happy the police are investigating this crime as it is a very serious matter.
“The mosque is the heart of a great deal of good, positive work that goes on in the local area and is a really important part of the community.”
Constable Samuel Norrie said: “The theft of a phone and personal property from the Mosque and Islamic Centre at the Spital, Aberdeen at around 2.35pm on Sunday, October 7 has been reported to the police and inquiries are ongoing.
“We would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time to contact us on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.”
