Officers are appealing for information following the theft of a JCB from a property in Mintlaw.
The JCB was stolen during the evening of Christmas day and recovered the following morning beside the Happy Plant Garden Centre, after being driven through Mintlaw.
Detective Constable Gary Johnston said: “We would like to appeal to the public to contact us if they saw anything or have any information regarding this incident.
“Patrols will be carried out and officers are urging anyone with information to speak to them or contact police on 101 using reference number CF0364421217.
“Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Stolen JCB driven through north-east village and dumped on Christmas day