Detectives investigating a raid, which shut down a north-east coastguard station, have launched an appeal for witnesses.
The incident happened at the HM Coastguard Fraserburgh offices at Westshore Industrial Estate some time after Thursday evening, when volunteers locked up.
Emergency chiefs said lives were in more danger on the water as a direct result of the “act of lunacy” which left a trail of blood in the crew’s van.
And now, police are appealing for information ina n effort to trace the perpetrators.
Nothing was stolen from the offices, but damage was caused to the van and service was disrupted.
It is the second time in the space of a year that the station has been targeted – the previous incident happened in November last year.
Detective constable Richard Cooper, who is leading the investigation, said: “We understand this latest incident took place between 11pm on Thursday, September 7 and 2.30pm on Saturday, September 9.
“I would urge anyone who was in the area during these dates and times to please get in touch if you saw anything suspicious.”
He added that the “mindless” break-in caused “a great deal of disruption, inconvenience and needless worry to those who are trying to provide a vital service to the public.”
Anyone with information can contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.