Keep your homes locked and secure
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POLICE Scotland has issued a fresh appeal for people in the Moray area to ensure their homes and businesses are locked and secure at all times following further acquisitive crimes.
Two commercial properties were targeted in the Forres and Findhorn areas at the weekend, whereby a small amount of cash was taken from one and damage caused at the other while those responsible attempted to gain entry.
Officers are also investigating a small number of break-ins across the region, including at a rural property in the Sheriffston area of Elgin where decades-old jewellery and other sentimental items, including war medals, were taken.
A property in the Dufftown area was also targeted with jewellery reported missing.
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson said: "Once again I would urge the public to be on their guard when it comes to ensuring the security of your properties, vehicles, garages, sheds and valuables
" I can provide every assurance that all efforts are being made to identify those responsible for these recent incidents and I would appeal to anyone with information - no matter how insignificant you think it might be - to please contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous."
He added: "Moray is one of the safest places in the country, however it doesn’t mean we can be complacent when it comes to the security of our valuables.
"A massive amount of proactive work is carried out by officers daily across the entire division to tackle acquisitive crime, however the public can play the most crucial role of all by locking their homes, vehicles, garages and sheds in the first place.
"In many cases the perpetrators are simply trying doors until they find one unlocked, therefore the simple step of locking your doors and windows and not leaving expensive equipment on display can be the most effective deterrent of all.
"Please let us know as soon as possible if you notice any suspicious activity where you live. Look out for unfamiliar people and vehicles and, most importantly, tell us at the time."
