Thieves have stolen copper cables worth tens of thousands of pounds from two wind farms in Aberdeenshire.
Police in Scotland are appealing for information and urging people to be vigilant following the thefts, which happened at wind farms in Laurencekirk and Stonehaven between last Thursday and Friday (3-4 July).
At Tullo wind farm, a project in Easter Tulloch owned by Eneco, thieves struck overnight between 11pm and 4am. On this occasion, three wind turbines were forced open and cables of copper stolen from within.
Between 4pm and 8am over the same dates, at Meikle Carewe wind farm (pictured) in Stonehaven, a turbine was forced open and copper cables stolen from within. The Meikle Carewe project is owned by TRIG and managed by RES.
Detective Sergeant Kim Patterson of Kittybrewster Police Station said: “We believe these thefts are linked and that those responsible, due to the remoteness of both areas, would need to have used a fairly large vehicle.
“Whilst the value has yet to be confirmed, it is believed it will run into tens of thousands of pounds.
“If you saw anything unusual around the sites, or maybe a van or large vehicle that looked out of place near the areas, please call police.
“Officers would remind the public to be vigilant and ensure they are taking steps to ensure their property is safe and secure.”