Vandals smash up farmer’s tractors and leave death threats

A farmer says he is the victim of a malicious and targeted attack after two of his tractors had windows and GPS equipment smashed, fuel tanks punctured and death threats sprayed on them.

Aberdeenshire arable farmer and contractor Rob Robertson said the vandals caused £50,000 worth of damage to the two Massey Ferguson tractors, which were parked up between 6.30pm on 16 August and 6.30am the following morning.

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Mr Robertson, who farms near Banff, believes he is being targeted after he reported a theft last harvest, when his workshop was raided and a large number of tools stolen.

© Rob Robertson

“We are currently planting winter crops. This has caused severe delay to this and until we have a conclusion there is no saying it won’t happen again,” he told Farmers Weekly.

The farmer will also have to pay to have the fuel spillages cleared up after holes were drilled in the tractors’ tanks, which were full.

Mr Robertson was shocked to find that “Ur dead” had been sprayed across the tractors, including on the window, from inside the cab.

© Rob Robertson

“It is sheer intimidation to try and stop me from reporting crime. Where do I draw the line? They are targeting me until I stop,” he said.

He urged the police to investigate thoroughly so he does not suffer a repeat attack. Mr Robertson believes whoever targeted the tractors had been watching the yard, because of the specific timeframe they were parked up for.

During the busy harvest period, the farmer is struggling to find replacement tractors to continue with his own work.

Police Scotland said officers were appealing for information following the incident.

A statement said: “The incident happened between 8pm on 16 August and 6.30am on 17 August in the Parks of Whitefield area of Banff. The tractors were extensively damaged, with the cost to repair them estimated in the region of £50,000.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 0473/17th.