POLICE IN BUCKIE were called to a Spar store in the early hours of Friday morning on learning that the shop on the High Street had been raided.
It is not yet clear if anything had actually been taken from the store which is part of an Esso petrol station, while police are investigating the possibility that the raid was linked to a similar crime in Huntly.
Detective Inspector Stuart Adam said: “Our inquiries are at an early stage and I would appeal to anyone who was in Buckie overnight and saw anything suspicious in the area to please get in touch.
“On Thursday morning we received a report of a break-in to the Gulf Strathbogie filling station in Huntly. Nothing was taken, however for two rural businesses to have been targeted in such a short space of time is obviously extremely concerning.
“I would ask any rural shop owners remain vigilant while we continue to trace the person or people responsible for these incidents.”
DI Adam is also appealing for anyone who may have been driving in the area and had dashcam footage of their routes in and out.
Anyone who may have information is being urged to contact police on 101.