Malicious high-value damage to Keith classic cars

Classic cars in Keith have been vandalised with the prized possessions suffering serious high-value damage, thought to be in the region of five-figures.

The incident is thought to have occurred between 7.00pm and 9.00pm on Thursday August 22nd at a shed on Moss Street.

Speaking to MFR News, owner James Currie said he was "devastated" on discovering the damage on Friday morning.

"We've had the Austin for about 20 years, but it's my kids I feel sorry for. They look after them and they have the pride in the vehicles."

"People would know them from seeing them at local shows and things like that, but the rest of the time they'd be kept safe. As far as the damage goes, these are not parts you can just get off the shelf"

"It just seems like malicious damage - I don't know if it's young people, or people with nothing better to do - but they must've just gained access and thought it was a 'fun' thing to do"

Investigating Officer PC Cameron Renton said: “The shed contained a number of classic vehicles including two Ford Dexta vintage tractors and a convertible Austin 7 manufactured in 1919, exactly 100 years ago. The tractors sustained damage to their bodywork, however the Austin 7 was the vehicle that sustained the greatest and costliest damage"

“Bodywork was damaged, the windscreen was smashed, the leather roof was torn, a seat was ripped out and industrial fluid was poured over the inside of the vehicle"

"...this was malicious and sustained damage to prized possessions that cannot be easily replaced or repaired"

“This was not just mindless vandalism, this was malicious and sustained damage to prized possessions that cannot be easily replaced or repaired"

“The incident has obviously upset and angered the owner of these vehicles, who has a keen interest in restoring classic vehicles, and we are committed to identifying those responsible"

Between 7.30pm and 8.00pm (August 22nd) two men were seen in the area of the shed and then cycled towards the main road (A96). Police believe they may have valuable information to assist in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1269 of 23 August.