Man, 31, appears in court over theft spree

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with several alleged acquisitive crimes across the North East earlier this year, including the theft of vehicles worth more than £40,000.

He was expected to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday in connection with: the theft of a Land Rover at Bridge Of Dee, Banchory, on 23 March, 2017; two housebreakings with intent to steal at garages on Hillview Crescent, Cults, on 27 March; the theft of two motorcycles and a housebreaking at a garage in the Bellwood Crescent area of Aboyne on 18 April; and the theft from a vehicle, a housebreaking with intent to steal from a shed and garage, and an attempted housebreaking from a garage at various addresses in the Banchory area on 8 May.

Detective Sergeant Bruce Buntain said: “Thank you to the members of the public who assisted officers while enquiries were carried out in relation to these reports. Oper- ation Magpie exists in North East Division to ensure daily, targeted proactive action is taken to tackle acquisitive crime. Prevention is key so I would always urge the public to ensure all doors and windows to your properties and vehicles are locked and secure at all times to not give thieves a chance. Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated.”