Romanian criminal gangs have been blamed by police for a spate of break-ins across the Highlands.
Up to 50 incidents have been reported at homes and businesses in towns and villages in the past month.
The most senior policeman in the north revealed that the force believed the targets had been “planned and researched” – with thieves “casing the joint” before moving in.
Romanian gangs based in Glasgow have been identified as the likely culprits behind recent incidents in Fort William and close to Nairn.
And within the past 48 hours there have been eight break-ins to a number of private homes and commercial premises in Ullapool, Glenelg, Glenmoriston and Gairloch.
Power tools have been stolen from outbuildings and sheds, workers’ vans and industrial units, and a caravan was stolen from a location in Gairloch this week.
Many of the break-ins are taking place during the night when the roads are quieter.
Chief Superintendent Julian Innes, Police Scotland’s Highland and Islands Divisional Commander, said: “In the last few weeks we have noticed a change in crime patterns in the Highlands.
“It started in Fort William about a month ago and we found it has been travelling through Badenoch and up to Nairn.
“We have been targeted by groups that are organised. One of these groups is based in Glasgow and are Romanian and they have been travelling to this area in ones and twos.
“Our initial assessments are that some of the break-ins are planned and have been researched beforehand, so someone is coming up and casing the joint in advance.
“They realise the Highlands is a very safe place to live, and by the nature of our geography we are rural and our roads at night are much quieter than in other areas.”
He added that members of the public in Nairn and Fort William had noticed “something is different” and had contacted the police.
Mr Innes added: “That give us an opportunity to get right in about these groups to try and catch them and report them for a particular break-in, or disrupt their activity.
“We want to get right in about this before it gets any worse and the best way of doing that is working with the public and our partners and getting as much information as possible.
“We value the information we get from communities and that is the real strength of the Highlands.”
Mr Innes added that Elgin and Forres in Moray had also been targeted by organised gangs in recent weeks.
David Stewart, Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said the reports were worrying.
“I think one of the great advantages of the Highlands and islands is the low crime rate and high detection rate, and that is to be applauded.
“Obviously I am worried about any increase in crime, particularly if it is organised crime by Scottish criminals, or from abroad.
“I will certainly be raising it with the police at our next meeting.”
The police urged anyone who notices any suspicious activity to contact them on 101.