Man "devastated" after vandalism of classic cars
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CLASSIC car owner James Currie has been left "devastated" after five-figure damage was done to his prize possessions.
The incident is thought to have occurred between 7pm and 9pm on Thursday, August 22, at a shed located on Moss Street in Keith.
Two classic cars and two tractors were damaged in the incident, during which it is suspected two men broke into the shed using a crobar.
A convertible Austin 7, manufactured in 1919, was the most prized possession of the four – with Mr Currie saying that this vehicle was particularly well loved and looked after by his three children, aged 12, 10 and 8.
He told the Banffshire Herald: "We have had the vehicle for 20 years and my kids take a lot of pride in it.
"We could never sell them because the kids just love them so much. It seems like a lifetime they have looked after them.
"They are devastated. They don't see why anyone would do this because they are so young and don't understand it might be people who have fallen on hard times and that's their enjoyment."
Mr Currie, who lives in Cullen, bought the garage in Keith to keep his vehicles in – and he usually only gets them out two or three times a year, including for the Keith Show which takes place just over the road.
But this damage will not be easy to replace – due to the complex nature of repairing an old-fashioned vehicle.
The other car damaged was a kit car, with the two tractors being Ford Dexters — which had their bonnets dented.
Mr Currie is now hoping the local community can come together as he attempts to find out who has caused this damage.
He added: "If you know anything, please phone the police. They are only going to do it again and worse next time. It's disappointing for Keith more than anything."
Police Scotland's investigating officer Cameron Renton said: "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 and we are committed to identifying those responsible.
"Between 7.30pm and 8.00pm last Thursday night two males were seen in the area of the shed who then bicycled towards the main road in Keith (A96). These individuals may have valuable information that could assist us and I would ask that anyone who knows them or has information that can help us, get in touch.
"Vandalism such as this is completely unacceptable and so I would ask the local community to think back and recall if they remember seeing anything in the area of Moss Street that could assist us with our enquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1269 of August 23.
