Local Conservative councillors have raised "serious concerns" over the "significant" costs that vandalism in Moray is causing for council budgets.
Elgin City North Councillor Amber Dunbar and Forres Councillor Kathleen Robertson - who is also Moray Council leader - say they are "deeply alarmed" after a Freedom of Information Request revealed that vandalism to council properties has cost over £81,000 in the last two years alone.
The response to the FOI also revealed that 300 incidents of vandalism took place, with 165 incidents occurring in 2022-23 and a further 135 so far in 2023-24.
The highest number of incidents happened in Buckie where 81 acts of vandalism were reported over the time period, while 75 incidents were reported in Elgin.
Councillor Dunbar says she was "shocked" by the findings and called out offenders and reminded them of the impact their acts of vandalism will be having on communities and people in Moray.
Councillor Robertson added that this money could have been diverted towards supporting crucial day-to-day services which are already under "immense pressure" and called on the SNP Government to "fully fund" local police services to ensure offenders are properly punished.
Councillor Amber Dunbar said: "I was shocked at the findings of this Freedom Of Information Request.
"The costs of these incidents of vandalism against council properties in Moray is significant and it is clear that there are serious issues across our communities.
"The more than £80,000 that has been spent on repairing our council properties is money that could have been better used elsewhere to support public services in Moray.
"Those who carry out such acts must know that this is completely unacceptable and that they have a serious impact across Moray. This must be stamped out immediately, otherwise more buildings - including schools - will be at risk of being targeted."
Council leader, Councillor Kathleen Robertson added: "The scale of vandalism in Moray is deeply alarming.
"It is no secret that Moray Council's budgets are under immense pressure due to years of savage SNP cuts and these avoidable costs to repair vandalism will only add to this growing burden.
"It is disgraceful that our buildings are being targeted by vandals, who will often have no idea if people are working inside them when they vandalise them.
"There must be a zero tolerance approach towards those who think it is appropriate to vandalise council properties and indeed any property in Moray.
"That is why the SNP Government must step up and fully fund overstretched local police officers to ensure these offenders can be properly punished for their actions."