Thefts from rural properties in Aberdeenshire

Police are asking residents in rural areas to be vigilant following further quad bikes thefts from rural properties in Aberdeenshire.

• Between Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th April 2022 a red 500cc quad bike was stolen from a farm near Mintlaw. The quad was recovered nearby.
  
  
• Overnight between Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th April 2022 a green Yamaha 750cc quad bike and a red Yamaha 450cc quad bike were stolen from a farm near Fyvie. With the aid of tracking devices the quads were recovered in nearby woodland.
  
  

PC Mike Urquhart, Crime Reduction Officer, said:

"In both of these incidents the quads were stolen overnight and appear to have been moved to nearby locations ready to be uplifted at a later time. These items cost a lot of money and are used in people's livelihoods, therefore it is vital we trace those responsible.

"I would urge those in our rural communities to be vigilant, to always park quad bikes as close to your premises as possible, preferably out of sight from nearby roads.

"Always remove keys when not in use."

Police are also appealing for information following a number of thefts from rural properties in South Aberdeenshire.

• On Monday 28th March 2022 two Honda quad bikes were stolen from a farm in Glen Esk. The bikes were recovered by Police nearby with the aid of tracking devices.
  
  
• Between Saturday 26th March and Wednesday 30th March 2022 three high value mountain bikes and two Stihl chain saws were stolen from a property in Glen Muick near Ballater.
  
  
• Overnight on Tuesday 3rd April 2022 a mountain bike and two Stihl chain saws were stolen from a farm near Strachan.
  
  
• And overnight on Monday 4th April a blue Yamaha Grizzly 700 quad bike was stolen from a farm near Glen Dye.

In each instance Police are keen to trace any sightings of a white 06 registration Ford Transit van.

Anyone with information can contact police on or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crime Reduction Officer PC Mike Urquhart said:

"Global issues such as supply chain problems, scarcity of second hand machinery and increased demand are all driving up used machinery prices which is in turn driving criminality. I would urge those in our rural communities to be vigilant, to always park quad bikes as close to your premises as possible, preferably out of sight from nearby roads. Always remove keys when not in use.

"Quads and ATVs should be secured inside buildings with good quality padlocks and chains. Ground anchors or wheel clamps combined with an alarm are an excellent deterrent.

"Mark or customise your property so it is easily identifiable. This can deter thieves and also assist with recovery if stolen.

"Also consider tracking devices for high value vehicles and machinery and keep a record of all vehicles with photographs and serial numbers."

Original Message Sent By: Michael Urquhart (Police Scotland, PC, Crime Reduction Team)