Grantown hit by distraction thieves
Police Scotland is urging businesses to be on guard after a series of distraction thefts carried out in the Highlands during the weekend.
Incidents were reported at businesses in Beauly and Inverness on Friday (July 26) and in Grantown on Saturday.
The incidents resulted in jewellery being stolen from premises in Beauly and Grantown, while a low three-figure sum of cash was stolen from a business in Inverness using a technique known as "Ringing the Changes".
This involves those responsible deliberately confusing staff members while carrying out a transaction in order to leave with more cash than they started with.
Detective Sergeant Reuben Lindsay said: "We are keeping an open mind if these incidents are linked, although there are similarities in the techniques used.
"Each of these incidents are reported as having involved two or more women speaking with eastern European accents who deliberately distracted staff members to steal goods and cash.
"We would advise shop workers and owners to be aware and on their guard against such an approach.
"The types of criminals who carry out thefts like this tend to travel widely.
"Anyone who believes they have information or want to report any concerns can contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."