Thieves, armed with crowbars, forced their way into a Moray workshop and stole nearly £1,000 worth of tools.
Deep gouges were found in the walls at J R Henderson and Sons in Elgin, where the determined raiders were unsuccessful in their initial break-in attempt.
But, after being thwarted in their early efforts, they moved to a different part of the building where they smashed their way into the premises under the cover of darkness.
Staff arriving at the firm, which runs the Elgin Marble Company, found a bag of power tools had been stolen on Wednesday morning.
However, the thieves had overlooked other specialist items, sparking the suspicion they were eager to make a quick getaway.
Director Paul Henderson said: “They stole a bag full of tools like spanners and drills – things that a joiner would need.
“There were other bags nearby, but they didn’t touch them. It looks like they were just interested in one thing and left as soon as they got it.
“It looked like they tried one area of the building, but then moved and just kept trying until they managed to force their way in.”
The New Elgin Road business has already tightened up security following the theft earlier this week to deter thieves from striking again.
Police are appealing for witnesses who saw anything suspicious overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday after CCTV at the property did not identify the perpetrators.
Mr Henderson added: “The police have told me they’re going to keep tabs on anyone offering to sell similar tools claiming they’re second-hand.”
Following thefts at a hairdressers and convenience store over the festive period, Elgin City South councillor John Divers is concerned crime may be on the rise.
He said: “It sounds like there could be someone or some group on the go at the moment. There used to be a history of tools being stolen from industrial estates in Elgin, but that was some years ago now.
“This is the time of year these thefts usually occur with the longer nights, so it’s sensible to take extra precautions.”
Police have confirmed the incident happened between 5pm on Tuesday and 7.45am on Wednesday morning.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at that time or has information about the theft should call police by phoning 101.
