Ashleigh Barbour
Police are appealing for information after five boats were broken into at Buckie Harbour.
Hundreds of pounds worth of marine equipment, including a GPS system, was taken from small fishing vessels at the pontoon between 11.30am on Sunday and 9.30am yesterday.
Local councillor, Gordon Cowie, visited the scene of the crime yesterday, and said he was horrified someone would steal equipment that could put the owners lives and livelihoods and risk.
He said that incidents like this were incredibly rare at the harbour and that those responsible must be caught and punished.
“We did have a case of lobsters being stolen off the same boats last year, but these thefts remain very unusual,” he said.
“We must catch whoever has done this and help the police, who are appealing for anyone who might know or who saw anything.
“If you don’t want to contact the police, get in touch with me.
“This is safety equipment after all – the boats need these things to get to sea.
“It’s very sad that thieves can take away the equipment people rely on.”
Local investigating police officer, Morag Lawrence, said officers were appealing for information that might track down those responsible.
She asked people to be on guard if they are offered marine equipment in the area.
“I’m keen to hear from members of the public who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the harbour around the time of the thefts,” she said.
“I would appeal to any person who has been offered marine equipment for sale and thinks it may be related to this theft to contact us immediately.
“Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”