Police forensic experts examined a Moray petrol station yesterday after crooks smashed their way into the shop overnight.
Officers clad in white bodysuits carefully collected evidence from around the forecourt at the Esso service station in Buckie, amid suspicions the crime could be linked to a similar incident in Huntly.
They hope to catch the intruders through their DNA before any other break-ins can take place.
Police were called to the High Street premises at 6.35am following reports that its Spar shop had been targeted during the early hours of the morning.
Staff at the Buckie business declined to comment on the investigation yesterday.
And a police spokeswoman said it remained unclear whether any items had actually been taken.
But Detective Inspector Stuart McAdam explained the robust response was due to concerns the break-in could have been carried out by a gang or individual also responsible for targeting a Huntly petrol station.
DI MacAdam said: “Our inquiries are at a very early stage, and I would appeal to anyone who was in Buckie overnight and saw anything suspicious in the area to please get in touch.
“On Thursday morning, we received a report of a break-in to the Gulf Strathbogie Filling Station at Huntly.
“Nothing was taken, however for two rural businesses to have been targeted in such a short space of time is obviously extremely concerning.
“I would ask that any rural shop owners remain vigilant while we continue to trace the person – or people – responsible for these incidents.
“Crimes of this nature won’t be tolerated, especially in communities like these which are generally safe places to live and work.”
DI MacAdam also appealed for any motorists, including lorry, taxi and bus drivers to come forward if they were in either area on the nights in questions and have dashcam footage of the routes in and out.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111 if they would prefer to remain anonymous.
