Police appeal after copper cable thieves target wind farms

Detectives believe copper cable thieves who targeted two wind farms used a large vehicle.

Police Scotland said wind farms in Laurencekirk and Stonehaven were broken into some time between Thursday and Friday.

Officers said the value of the cable stolen would run into tens of thousands of pounds.

The first break-in happened between 23:00 and 04:00 at Tullo Wind Farm, Easter Tulloch.

A force spokesperson said three wind turbines were forced open and copper cables were removed.

Similar cables were also stripped from a single turbine after it was forced open at Meikle Carewe Wind Farm in Stonehaven.

Police said this happened some time between 16:00 and 08:00.

Det Sgt Kim Patterson 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."

She urged anyone who saw anything unusual around the sites, or a van or large vehicle near the wind farms, to get in touch.