Police will ramp up patrols in the south of Aberdeen after a spate of overnight break-ins at businesses.
Thieves have targeted two properties in Cove this week while another attempt was made at gaining entry to a chemists in Kincorth.
Detectives are understood to be keeping an open mind to the possibility all three incidents are linked.
The first break-in, which took place at the Coral bookmakers in Loirston Avenue in Cove, was the only successful theft.
Police said a number of items were stolen, but could not divulge their value.
The raid happened between 6.30pm on Wednesday and 9.30am the following morning.
Then, between Thursday at 11.15pm and 6.15am yesterday morning, thieves unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to the nearby Co-op in the same street.
That same night, around two miles away, entry was gained to the Abbotswell Pharmacy in Kincorth at around 2am although those who forced their way inside appeared to leave empty handed.
Detective Sergeant Scott McKay said:“Although these crimes are similar in nature and are in close proximity to one another, we are keeping an open mind as to whether or not they are directly linked.
“As part of our inquiries you will see an increase in police activity in and around Cove and Kincorth and additional patrols will also be carried out during the evenings and early mornings to provide local residents and businesses with reassurance.”
Investigators have asked for people living nearby to check CCTV, doorbell cameras or dash-cam footage to see if they can help their inquiries.
Kincorth, Nigg and Cove councillor Alex Nicoll said: “It’s very disappointing to hear about these break-ins as it’s become a relatively rare crime.”
The former police detective added: “I suspect thieves have been targeting cash given the sort of premises they have tried to break into and would urge anyone with information to contact police or Crimestoppers.
“I don’t think people should be too concerned their homes will be targeted by those responsible, but urge them to take heed and take normal safety precautions.”
