Four cars and thousands of pounds worth of vehicles have been stolen from across the north-east this week.
Police are urging motorists to keep their cars and homes locked after the spike in “sneak-in thefts” in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Yesterday a black Audi was taken from outside an unlocked property in Portlethen, while in Fraserburgh a gold Volvo was taken from the Beacon Drive area.
A grey Land Rover Discovery was also taken from outside a property on Fraserburgh’s Strichen Road at about 11.50pm on Thursday.
In Aberdeen, a Fiat 500 was stolen from outside a home in the Davidson Drive area in the early hours of yesterday.
Police said a number of homes in the Castlepark area of Ellon have also been targeted by thieves.
Chief Inspector Richard Craig, area commander for Aberdeenshire South, said it only took a split second for sneak-in thieves to ruin lives and urged people to heed warnings about keeping their property secure.
“People don’t think it will happen to them, but the sad truth is that you are far more likely to become a victim if you don’t take basic steps to ensure your valuables are secure,” he said.
“We live in a very safe part of the country, but I would urge people not to be complacent and lock their doors.
“It only takes a few minutes – sometimes seconds – to enter a home, car or garage to steal valuables, however the results can cause immeasurable distress and expense.
“These are opportunistic thieves who will try any house or car door until they find one unlocked. Please ensure you take the basis steps of locking your vehicle and house.
“Police Scotland has issued warnings previously urging the public to ensure their doors are locked, even when they are home, and to keep expensive equipment from view.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.