Appeal for information following the theft of a historical trap from Mintlaw

Police are appealing for information following the theft of a historical trap from Mintlaw. 

The trap, which would have been used in the late 1700s and 1800s to catch poachers and trespassers on large estates, was located on the entrance wall at Deer Abbey.

It is believed to have been removed between the afternoon of Tuesday, 14 June and the afternoon of Wednesday, 15 June, 2022.

Inspector Rory Campbell 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, 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 contact 101 quoting incident 1384 of 20 June, 2022. Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.