Police appeal for information after theft of historical trap in Aberdeenshire

An appeal for information has been launched by police after the theft of a historical trap in Aberdeenshire.

The trap, which would have been used in the late 18th century and during the 19th century to catch poachers and trespassers on large estates, was located on the entrance wall at Deer Abbey, which is west of Mintlaw.

It is believed to have been taken away between the afternoon of Tuesday 14 June and the afternoon of Wednesday 15 June.

Inspector Rory Campbell from Police Scotland said: "Historic sites form an integral part of our cultural heritage and far from being places consigned to the past, they are vibrant and alive, welcoming visitors from all across the globe.

"Enquiries are ongoing into this incident and we are appealing for anyone with any information which may assist us to get in touch."

Peter McGrath, Head of Physical Security at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "Theft from historic sites, whether on our estate or in the wider historic environment, is unacceptable.

"Acts such as this can cause irreparable damage and mean that we can lose pieces of our past forever."

Anyone with any information is asked to phone 101 quoting incident 1384 of 20 June, 2022.

Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.