A flock of 31 sheep has been stolen from a farm in an overnight raid.
They were taken from Cairnton Farm near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, between 10pm on Sunday and 12pm yesterday.
The flock included a number of young pure bred Beltex ewes valued at a low four-figure sum, police said.
Officers are trying to trace a 4×4 vehicle with a trailer attached that is believed to have been used in the theft.
The farm is off the B993, Inverurie to Kemany road, near to the entrance of Kemnay driving range.
Police have asked anyone with information or who has been offered any Beltex ewes for sale without the appropriate paperwork to contact them.
Pc Sam Goldie said: “This incident will be of great concern to local farmers and as such they are asked to be extra vigilant with their livestock.
“It is believed that the theft would have occurred sometime during the hours of darkness on Sunday. Anyone who may have been in the area and seen any activity should contact the Police immediately.”
The National Farmers Union said recently that rural crime is costing those who live and work in the Scottish countryside almost £2million each year.
More than 4,200 animals – mainly sheep – reported stolen in cases of livestock rustling in Scotland in 2013.