A wave of car crime has been sweeping Aberdeen – with an average of 10 disappearing every week this summer.
The Press and Journal can today reveal “shocking” new figures which show that 118 vehicles were reported missing in the city in just three months between June and August.
Police chiefs branded the statistics – which were released under freedom of information laws – “disappointing” last night and they urged motorists to take precautionary measures.
The spate of thefts has continued in the past few days as several people in Aberdeen reported their motorcycles missing.
One victim was Jackalynn Walker, who discovered that someone had crow-barred their way into her garage and removed her Reiju Tango motorbike
It had been a birthday gift just four months ago.
The 16-year-old from Bucksburn said: “It’s been a pretty horrible experience.”
She offered a £500 reward, but her neighbour found the bike behind a nearby set of bins, severely damaged.
Ms Walker said: “It has got wires hanging out. Whoever stole it had broken the lock as they tried start it.
“It looks like it will cost a lot to repair.”
The garage door is also expected to cost about £80 to fix.
Gareth Fisher, of Northfield, was another victim.
He was woken up at 5.30am by police officers who called at his door to inform him that his Honda VFR800 had been stolen from his driveway.
The 25-year-old drew attention to it on social media and was made aware of its whereabouts the following day.
“There is a popped ignition which has been snapped and hot-wired. It looks like it’s going to cost me around £500 to repair,” he said.
City councillor Martin Greig, a former convener of Grampian Joint Police Board, expressed alarm at the figures and urged people with information to contact the police.
He said: “It is shocking to learn that vehicles are being stolen so frequently.
“Unfortunately there are hardened criminals who are attempting to steal and do damage to cars, motorbikes and bicycles.”
“It is vital that anyone with information contacts the police or Crimestoppers.
“Useful information given as soon as possible will prevent other people from suffering at the hands of wrongdoers.
“Opportunistic theft of vehicles is a very unsettling experience.”
Detective Chief Inspector David Hadden said that many of the vehicles reported missing between June 1 and August 27 in the police’s Aberdeen city division were later recovered.
He said: “It is disappointing to see that vehicles are still being stolen in the Aberdeen area however there is a 93% recovery of cars and a 83% recovery of vehicles overall.
“We know that this is an issue which we remain dedicated to addressing.
“This type of crime can have a profound impact on victims and that is why we work closely with our communities to encourage simple security measures to help deter opportunistic thieves.”
DCI Hadden urged people to take precautionary measures.
“What we do find frustrating is that many of the vehicles taken have been left unlocked and we would again urge motorists to review their security measures,” he said.
“There are simple steps which can be taken to help prevent you becoming a victim of crime, these include ensuring your home is locked, your car is locked and where possible stored in a secure garage.
“In addition if you have motorcycles where possible these should be kept in sheds which also have good locks fitted and where possible fit a shed alarm.
“It is important that owners have a lock for their bikes even if they are stored in sheds.
“The more difficult people can make it for thieves to steal their property the less chance there is of becoming a victim of crime and if thieves have to spend time overcoming security then this increases the chances of them being disturbed and apprehended.”