Police are hunting an organised gang of criminals after an audacious lorry heist at a north-east haulage yard.
Two articulated trucks were stolen from the outskirts of Aberdeen and driven nearly 40 miles and then set ablaze.
But police believe the thieves unloaded the vehicles’ cargoes of furniture and alcohol before lighting the fires.
The burning lorries were discovered in a layby on the A97 road near Gartly early yesterday.
They are believed to have been stolen from the West Tullos industrial estate in the city around midnight on Sunday.
The two trucks had been parked at M&H Logistics’ premises. The company declined to comment on the incident yesterday.
Emergency services were called when the lorries were discovered on fire at about 4.30am.
Sixteen firefighters took around 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
A police spokeswoman said officers had launched a joint investigation with the fire brigade to establish what was used to set the trucks alight.
She said: “We are still unclear as to what exactly has happened, police understand that the lorries were both unloaded before they were set on fire but this is yet to be confirmed.
“Investigations are currently ongoing to understand what was contained within the vehicles but our early inquiries suggest it was furniture and alcohol.
The bosses of other firms at the West Tullos industrial estate said they were shocked by the incident.
Murray Kelman, operations director at ARR Craib Transport, said: “If this was to happen to us it would be extremely worrying, but we have worked to ensure that all our vehicles are parked safely. Our drivers always park securely for this very reason as theft can be a nightmare for businesses and must be kept to a minimum.”
Aberdeen city councillor Neil Cooney said the thefts were a “kick in the teeth” to the business involved.
He said: “This is fairly unique experience and is definitely something
unusual for the area so I wouldn’t say that it is time to press the panic button, but it is obviously a serious matter for those involved.
“The incident is a terrible one and a deliberate act of antisocial behaviour and vandalism and completely unacceptable.
“Incidents such as this knock back the prospects of legitimate businesses such as this and in fact it slows them down completely, it’s a real blow for them and the hardworking people there who are trying to build up a business.
“It’s absolutely disgusting.
“This sends completely the wrong kind of message across Aberdeen, it is not that kind of city and I really want to emphasise this, it is a very unusual occurrence, but one that we must never the less take very seriously.”
Detective Sergeant Scott Gillespie said: “I would appeal for anyone who saw two HGVs in the north-east between midnight and 5am on Monday to contact police as a matter of urgency.
“We are following several positive lines of inquiry, however I would urge anyone with information about these incidents to get in touch.”
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.