Police Scotland has appealed for information on a series of break-ins in Banff, just days after local leaders called for more officers to walk the port’s streets.
The incidents are believed to have happened overnight between Tuesday, December 8, and Wednesday, December 9.
The first incident, which took place between 10pm and 5am, was at a construction site in the Bellevue Road area of the town. Nothing was stolen, but damage estimated at a low three-figure sum was caused.
Officers are also investigating two attempted break-ins to commercial properties in the Duncan Street area of Banff.
Both incidents are believed to have taken place between 10pm and 6am, and a low three-figure sum of damage was caused.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police are appealing for anyone with information on any of the incidents, or who may have been in the areas and saw suspicious activity, to come forward.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”
The crimes took place on the same day the town’s community council called for more police officers to patrol Banff.
Ricky Taylor, who wrote a letter to his MSP to bring attention to the issue, said residents had asked him to contact Police Scotland asking what steps were being taken to increase the number of officers on the streets.
He said: “We want to work with them – the officers we have are fantastic and they would do anything they can for us.
“The real problem is that there aren’t enough of them. We went from being quiet towns to being all over the news.”
Break-ins have blighted the community in recent months.
In one weekend, 12 different businesses, including north-east charities were targeted.