A north-east church has been targeted by would-be thieves.
Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to Fintray Parish Church when thieves tried to break in earlier this week.
Although they left the church empty handed, it is believed the culprits may have also raided a house at Keithhall, Inverurie and stolen jewellery and cash.
The attempted break-in at the church in Hatton of Fintray happened between 1pm on Sunday and 2pm on Monday.
Rev Ellen Davidson, from the church, said the would-be thieves had broken a window to try and get into the “fairly isolated” building.
She said she was disappointed anyone would target a church, but added: “It’s in a fairly isolated position but lots of dog walkers go by and I was very impressed about the number of phone calls the church officer and I received from people who were concerned with what they had seen up there.
“The local community is very good about keeping an eye on everything.”
The Keithhall house was targeted between 8am and 5pm on Monday, and during that same time period there was another attempted break-in at nearby Kinellar.
Constable Euan Duthie said: “I am investigating all three incidents and at this stage, we are treating the incidents as being linked.
“Damage was caused to each property totalling a low four-figure sum and caused distress and inconvenience to the householders, and obviously members of Fintray Church.”
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.