Police have warned residents in the Tayside and Fife countryside to be on their guard after a recent spate of rural thefts.
Several farms have been targeted, resulting in the loss of high-value goods including vehicles, tools and farming equipment.
The theft of two quad bikes between December 29 and 31 from a farm in Easter Balgedie, and the tracks, bucket and hitch from a caterpillar machine from another farm in the area between January 4 and 5 are being investigated by police.
A farm in Dunning, Tayside, reported the theft of a quad bike on January 3.
Properties in north-east Fife have also reported break-ins and thefts of 4×4 cars, a transit van and several other goods.
Superintendent Graeme Murdoch, based in Dundee, said: “Both Fife and Tayside have large rural communities and crimes that target farms can have a significant impact on the local economy.
“We are investigating all of these incidents thoroughly to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, and I would ask anyone who believes they can help us to contact police immediately.
“By utilising a variety of national resources, including the road policing unit, we are actively targeting rural crime offenders and sending a clear message that this sort of criminal activity will not be tolerated.
“Our communities, in particular those within rural areas, can play a key role in helping us prevent crime by ensuring they have all the necessary security measures in place around their home, farm property and other associated buildings.
“Our website has a lot of really useful information that can help make your property a far less attractive target to criminals.
“Alternatively, members of the public can contact Police Scotland on 101 and speak to an officer about crime prevention.”