Police are searching for the individuals responsible for throwing a CCTV system into a Highland canal.
After a number of break-ins across the north, officers were told CCTV evidence allegedly stolen from a crime scene had been thrown into the canal at Fort Augustus.
A specialist police dive team were ready to dive into the murky depths to retrieve it yesterday when a passer-by said the device was 60ft further up the canal and within wading distance.
One eyewitness told the Press and Journal: “After 30 minutes a local told them that the [hard] drive was visible about 60ft downstream from where they were searching.
“When the police went over to start diving there he told them they could just wade in and collect it.
“He then shouted from the other side of the canal and asked if there was a reward. The senior policeman put his thumbs up and said “thank you”.”
Detective Inspector Eddie Ross said: “We can confirm that officers from the Police Scotland Dive and Marine Unit attended the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus to carry out a search as part of ongoing inquiries into a recent series of housebreakings in the area.
“A CCTV hard drive believed to have been removed from one of the business involved was recovered during the search and has been removed for further examination.
“Our inquiries into these incidents, which have involved six business premises, are ongoing and we are grateful to the members of the public who have assisted so far.
“Anyone with information relating to these incidents can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
