In this edition of North East Crime Alert:
- Police Scotland look at how thieves are targeting renewable energy sites across Scotland.
Police are investigating linked copper thefts from two Aberdeenshire wind farms in July, with tens of thousands of pounds stolen. The crimes reflect a growing trend across the UK since April 2025, likely by an organised group. Locals are urged to report suspicious activity.
- Police Scotland tackles retail crime with the launch of a new task force.
Police are stepping up efforts to tackle retail crime using a 4Ps strategy: Prevent, Pursue, Protect, and Prepare. The North East Crime Reduction Team supports retailers with advice on store layout, staff training, and security tech. They also address root causes like poverty and addiction. Retailers are encouraged to balance strong security with a welcoming environment. The national group Retailers Against Crime helps by sharing offender intel to prevent future incidents.
- Aberdeen is named the ‘Friendly City’ following the Tall Ships Race.
Police Scotland ensured safety during a major four-day festival in Aberdeen that welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. No arrests were made, and the city was praised as the ‘Friendly City.’ Chief Inspector Darren Bruce highlighted the success of the long-planned event and the positive engagement between police and the public.
- Police Scotland and Forestry Land Scotland clamp down on the illegal use of motorbikes.
Police are increasing patrols in Aberdeenshire forests to tackle the illegal use of motorbikes and quad bikes, particularly in Fetteresso and Durris Forests. Forestry and Land Scotland warns this activity is dangerous, illegal, and disrupts other forest users. Offenders face prosecution, fines, and possible vehicle seizure. The public is urged to report incidents with details like registration numbers, but not to confront offenders directly.
- Mobile Banks and the North East Crime Reduction Team bring fraud advice to North East rural communities.
In Moray and Aberdeenshire, the Royal Bank of Scotland's mobile banking units have partnered with the North East Crime Reduction Team to provide fraud prevention advice during their rounds. Officers joined the mobile banks in June and July, offering face-to-face guidance on scams, online safety, and reporting fraud. The initiative has been well received, especially by older residents, helping raise awareness and prevent cybercrime in rural communities.
- As well as a regular round-up of crime in the North East.