Thieves go on rampage in stolen tractor

Thieves stole a tractor and trailer from a farm and went on a rampage, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

The blue Ford 7840 tractor was stolen from a field next to Balloan Farm on the Black Isle, close to the B9163 road, sometime between 6.30pm on Saturday (17 January) and 5.20am on Sunday (18 January).

Police said the tractor was driven westerly along the B9163, where the trailer was detached a short time later.

In an unusual incident, the tractor continued along the B9163 before crossing the A9 into Conon Bridge, where it struck and destroyed a bus shelter on Leanaig Road.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “While being driven this tractor has caused extensive damage to both private and public property.”

Meanwhile, south of the border, police in Norfolk are hunting raiders who ransacked a farm in Larling last Thursday evening (15 January).

A trailer and a pressure washer were stolen and they broke into a barn and a container and took five chainsaws.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.