Police have confirmed that a fourth vehicle was stolen during a spate of thefts across Aberdeen last night.
This morning, the force launched an appeal for information after three vehicles were reported stolen from a property on Salisbury Terrace overnight.
A black Vauxhall Mokka registered SP63 KKV, a blue Peugeot 2008 registered KN17 SBV and a black KTM motorbike with a SF08 NUJ registration were taken.
But it has now come to light that another car was taken, as a yellow and orange Mini Cooper registered SW14 BUU has been reported stolen from the Hardgate area.
The thefts follow several in the city and Aberdeenshire in recent weeks and investigators are “keeping an open” mind as to whether they are linked.
Officers have now urged the public to be vigilant and review their home security measures.
Detective Sergeant John Lumsden said: “We have had a number of car theft incidents over the last few weeks and with four vehicles taken in one night we really need the public to assist us.
“These vehicles have been stolen opportunistically by thieves trying house doors, finding one that is unlocked, entering, finding keys for vehicles and using them to steal them.
“Our messages have been consistent. To avoid being the victim of such crimes ensure you lock your vehicle when you leave it unattended, lock your doors and windows to your house, especially overnight, and keep your car keys in a safe place, preferably not next to the front door.
“Thieves will spend time when most people are asleep trying to find an unlocked door and then take what they can.
“To avoid becoming the victim of this type of crime lock your doors and don’t put valuables, including car keys, on open display.
“It can take a thief seconds to enter an unlocked property, steal keys and drive a vehicle away and the owner will only realise when they next go to drive the vehicle and find it’s not there.
“I can give reassurance that where vehicles are reported stolen we use all available means open to us to recover them. It can be several hours between a vehicle being stolen and it being reported to police so any sightings or any information about suspicious activity can be really important. I would encourage anyone with information that they think is relevant, no matter how small, to call us.”
Anyone with information about these thefts is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting references 0671 of 14 May for Salisbury Terrace and reference 0953 of 14 May for the Mini Cooper.
