Police crackdown on fuel rustlers

Forecourts have been stepping up their security against fuel thieves

Mounted patrols and police checkpoints have been set up in the Lothians in a bid to catch fuel rustlers.

The move in East Lothian and Midlothian comes from a recent spate of fuel thefts in the area.

Reports suggest organised gangs are targeting large tanks at farms and homes, with 12 incidents since May.

Last week, more than 2,000 litres were stolen from a farm near Penicuik. The week-long initiative finishes on Monday.

The main reason for the surge in fuel theft is believed to be the dramatic increase in the price of fuel.

This time last year, unleaded petrol cost 97p a litre, now it is £1.19.

Det Con Stuart Higginbottom, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "In the current climate of rising fuel and scrap metal costs theses crimes are on the gradual increase.

"A robust approach will be taken with any person caught committing these crimes and they are being treated as serious."