Police in Aberdeen are treating nine break-ins across the city as linked after homes were targeted on Friday evening and throughout Saturday. Jewellery, cash and electronics were stolen in the raids, and officers have stepped up patrols while they hunt the people responsible.

The first break-in happened on Friday evening at a property in Rosewell Terrace, where three suspects dressed in black and wearing balaclavas escaped with jewellery and money. Eight more break-ins followed over the weekend, and detectives say they believe the incidents are connected.

The nine break-ins

The break-ins were spread across Aberdeen, with most taking place in the evening. At Heathryfold Circle, between 16:50 and 21:25 on Friday, gold, silver and a car key were stolen. A property in Long Walk Road was broken into between 19:40 and 20:05 the same evening, when a four-figure sum of money and jewellery were taken.

On Saturday, three suspects used a black Audi S3 at a property in Buckie Road at about 18:40, taking money and jewellery. A second property in Buckie Road was broken into between 13:30 and 19:20 on Saturday, with money and jewellery stolen again.

At Mill Drive, a home was broken into at about 19:00 on Saturday, and three men wearing dark clothing were seen leaving. Money, jewellery and electronics were stolen there. A property in Cornhill Drive was broken into between 18:30 and 21:15 on Saturday, and one in Stonehaven Road between 19:30 and 23:30, with money and jewellery taken in both. The final break-in was at South Walk between 20:00 and 20:30 on Saturday, when money was stolen.

Black Audi S3 at the centre of the appeal

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a black Audi S3 near any of the addresses around the times of the break-ins. Detectives are also asking residents with dashcam footage or private CCTV to check it for anything that could help the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Kim Patterson said: "We understand that these incidents will be concerning for the community and our inquiries are ongoing to trace those involved." She added: "I am appealing to anyone at any of the locations across Aberdeen that has seen something suspicious over the weekend and have yet to speak to police to get in touch."

Officers are linking the incidents and have said increased patrols will be carried out in the affected areas while the investigation continues.

How to help the police

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in Rosewell Terrace, Heathryfold Circle, Long Walk Road, Buckie Road, Mill Drive, Cornhill Drive, Stonehaven Road or South Walk over the weekend is asked to contact Police Scotland. Officers are also asking anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from those areas to review it and pass on anything that could assist.

The break-ins follow a pattern seen in the city before, with homes targeted in the early evening while residents are out. Police have urged householders to make sure doors and windows are locked, to keep valuables out of sight, and to report anything unusual in their street straight away.

No arrests have been reported in connection with the nine break-ins, and the investigation remains ongoing.