Security warning over fuel thefts

Police have warned the public to watch out for fuel thefts

A rising number of fuel thefts has prompted a security warning from police in southern Scotland.

In one incident at a filling station in Sanquhar, a motorist filled up his tank before driving off without paying.

There have also been reports of diesel being taken from lorry or business fuel tanks, and even oil being stolen from garden storage tanks.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary has asked the public to consider increased security measures to tackle the issue.

The "drive-away" theft in Sanquhar took place on Monday morning at about 0800 BST.

A red Vauxhall car was filled up with fuel and then driven off.

The driver has been described as in his mid-20s, about 5ft 8in tall with mousey brown hair, pointy features and wearing a black baseball cap and white shirt.

Pc Tanya Dirom said that with the rising price of fuel it was a crime which petrol stations needed to watch out for.

Obscured plates

"Basically, if you see anybody acting suspiciously take down a description of the person," she said.

"Don't put yourself in any danger trying to stop the vehicle - contact the police."

She added that any unusual number plates should also be noted.

"If somebody is going out to try and leave without paying they will try and obscure their number plate or even put a 'cloned' number plate on," she explained.

She said this appeared to have been the case in the Sanquhar incident where the registration number used did not appear on police records.