Detectives probing a series of cash machine raids have teamed up with police in Merseyside to snare the culprits.
Two more ATMs were targeted yesterday – with the “brazen” gang returning to the scene of a previous raid.
The would-be thieves attempted to break into a machine at the Clydesdale Bank in Ann Street, Stonehaven, about 3.40am.
Just three hours later, the Bank of Scotland in Constitution Street, Inverurie – which was one of the first machines to be targeted last month – was hit about 6.50am.
Police said yesterday they were keeping an “open mind” as to whether the two attempted thefts were linked to the six other heists that have taken place across the north-east since September 15.
It is understood six cash machines have been targeted in Merseyside since August.
Detective Inspector Graeme Mackie, who is heading up the north-east inquiry – as well as probing three robberies at golf clubs in the region, including Ryder Cup hero Paul Lawrie’s – said a dedicated team of detectives was working on all the ATM crimes.
He added: “This team is complemented by high- visibility patrols which are being carried out within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire specifically for these crimes. We are also working closely with our colleagues in the Merseyside area – who have been investigating similar crimes – to establish who is responsible for these incidents and whether they are linked.
“Local residents are also urged to report any suspicious activity they see to police.” In Stonehaven yesterday, the only telltale sign that the cash machine had been targeted was a sign advising it was out of order.
In Inverurie, however, a smashed window had been partially boarded up while a technician examined the damaged machine.
Locals expressed their disbelief that the cash point – inside the Garioch Shopping Centre – had been targeted again, especially at a time when people would have been heading to work.
Heather Tough, 48, from Kintore, said: “I use this bank for business banking at about 8am and the car park is always being used by people commuting. There’s people going about at the time of the morning – it’s pretty brazen of them.”
Shirley Greig, 40, from Inverurie, said: “This is the second time this machine has been targeted. It’s despicable.
“It’s such a shame, as everyone else is left to pay and pick up the pieces.”