A wave of vandalism is sweeping across Moray, with a car dealership the latest premises to be targeted.
Criminals have struck at several sites across the Scottish region. On Thursday night (1 October), a number of cars were damaged on the forecourt of the Arnold Clark garage in Edgar Road and police are increasing their efforts to find the culprits.
Car dealerships, because of the high value goods they store on site, must make extra efforts to protect their assets. This means obtaining a combined motor trade insurance policy to ensure any damage done to their cars or the theft of any vehicles is financially reimbursed.
Constable Jamie Dey, of Elgin Community Policing Team, said: "Vandalism is unacceptable no matter what form it takes. It creates unnecessary expense for individuals and organisations."
He added that a new operation had been launched - dubbed Operation Regard - to help cross examine all the different incidences of vandalism in Moray and try to track down the people responsible, The Press and Journal reported.
Elgin councillor Graham Leadbitter commented: "Vandalism of any kind is a mindless crime that can be extremely costly for the individuals and organisations that are victims of it.
"That type of behaviour is clearly totally unacceptable and I am pleased that the police have got a focus on tackling vandalism with Operation Regard."
