Ten north-east businesses – including a council-run swimming pool and several charity shops – were singled out by thieves in the early hours of this morning.
Police are investigating the raids in Banff and Macduff but are yet to establish the value of all the items stolen and the scale of the damage caused by the break-ins.
In Banff the town’s swimming pool on Bellevue Road, the Crown Fish and Chip Shop, the Morning Noon and Night on Lusylaw Road, Banff Pets Care and Wrex’s Kitchen were all targeted.
Whilst in Macduff the RNLI Shop, the Inshore Fishmongers, the Scotmid and the Red Cross and Cats Protection charity shops on Duff Street were all singled out.
Several of the housebreakings failed.
It comes only days after heartless thieves have raided a charity box at the Banff branch of JG Ross on Tuesday night, making off with hundreds of pounds.
Police area appealing for witness to the break-ins and attempted break-ins.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland has appealed for witnesses following a series of housebreakings and attempted housebreakings in the Banff and MacDuff areas during the early hours of Saturday, 7 November, 2015.
“Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”