Police are investigating after thousands of pounds and a quantity of cigarettes were stolen from an Aberdeenshire shop yesterday morning.
Thieves broke into Alford’s Key Store on Main Street at about 5.05am and took the stock along with more than £6,000.
Officers want to speak to the driver of a blue Audi A6 which was seen in the area which they believe may “have been used in the crime” – adding the vehicle may have been stolen from Cults earlier.
Three men wearing black hoodies were spotted near the Key Store around the time of the theft. A spokeswoman for Icon Stores – which owns the shop – refused to comment.
Elsewhere on Monday morning, garages were entered in Drumoak and items taken from an insecure vehicle on Arnhall Drive, Westhill, while a quad bike was stolen from Dyce.
Inspector Jamie Harrison said, with relation to the Key Store incident: “I would appeal for anyone who was in the Alford area at the time and saw or heard anything suspicious to contact the force as a matter of urgency.
“I would urge anyone who has information about the location of the blue Audi motor car linked to the crime to report it to police immediately.
“We are fortunate to live in an area of low crime, which makes it more disturbing when we become victims of crime.
“I would also request that homeowners remain vigilant and ensure their properties are secure, and would also like to remind everyone that, by taking some simple and basic precautions, they can greatly reduce their risk of being targeted.
“Remember to lock your homes, garages and outbuildings and ensure your property is well lit.
He added: “More and more residents are finding that the purchase and use of CCTV is not such an expensive option as they first thought.
“Other security items such as driveway alarms can be bought and installed relatively inexpensively.”
Anyone with information can contact the police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency. To remain anonymous telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”