Three youths have appeared in court accused of a spate of break-ins around Fraserburgh.
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday with 19-year-old Steven Ritchie and 20-year-old Adam Tait in connection with various incidents in the town.
The 16-year-old is accused of one count of vandalism, five counts of theft by housebreaking, and three counts of housebreaking with intent to steal.
Ritchie is accused of stealing from a car, two vandalisms, four housebreaking, two housebreakings with intent to steal.
Tait is also charged with four thefts by housebreaking, one count of housebreaking with intent to steal, theft from a motor vehicle, and two counts of vandalism.
The trio, all of Fraserburgh, made no plea or declaration during the brief private hearing. The case was continued for further examination.
Their court appearance comes after a spate of incidents in the town, including a recent break-in to family business R&S Dyga.
The newsagents, on Broad Street, was raided early on Monday, with the culprits kicking in the window before making off with more than £1,000 worth of cigarettes.
It was the latest in a series of break-ins around the town centre, with a bakery, Boots and Farmfoods all targeted.
Last night Sergeant Barry Riddoch urged business owners and householders in the town to remain vigilant.
He said: “We would like to remind householders and business premises to be aware of any suspicious activity particularly with the darker nights and to report anything unusual or any concerns they may have.”