Police are hunting thieves who stole a digger and took it on a joyride in Mintlaw on Christmas Day.
Officers say the JCB was taken from a property during the evening on December 25.
It was then driven through Mintlaw before being left beside the Happy Plant Garden Centre, where it was found the following morning.
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.”
