Eight arrested over North east vehicle thefts

Police Scotland said today that six vehicles valued at £70,000, which had been stolen in the area in recent months, had also been recovered as part of the operation involving specialist resources from Roads Policing, Air Support, CID, the dogs unit and local policing teams.

The spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that following a dedicated operation targeting vehicle crime in the Northeast six recently stolen vehicles have been recovered and eight persons are in custody.

“Seven males aged 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 25 and 33 and a female aged 18 have been taken into custody as a result of the operation and will appear at court in due course. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The vehicles, which are valued in total at around £70,000, were stolen from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in recent months. “

‘Tackling car crime’

Detective Superintendent Martin Dunn said: “This operation involved partnership working between A and B divisions as well as the specialist resources of Operation Ruby, which was launched to tackle car crime in the city.

“Police Scotland has listened to the communities across the North-east who have highlighted that car crime is a key priority for them. The use of the force helicopter and other specialist resources allowed officers to target key areas with the result that vehicles were recovered and persons apprehended.”

He added: “I want to reassure the public that we will continue to target car crime and will deploy specialist resources where appropriate. However I also want to appeal to people to ensure that vehicles and properties are kept secure in order to deter opportunistic thieves who want to steal your vehicles.

“I would like to thank the public for their continued assistance and to urge anyone with concerns to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”