Area suffers spate of fuel thefts

Police in Perthshire and Central Scotland are investigating the theft of more than 1,000 litres of fuel.

In total, £800 worth was siphoned from two storage tanks at a house on the outskirts of Auchterarder.

The theft of 150 litres of diesel and 850 litres of red diesel happened sometime between 7 and 14 July.

About 60 litres of diesel was stolen from an industrial unit in Alloa sometime between 7 and 9 July and police have appealed for information.

The incidents are the latest in a line of similar thefts amid rising fuel costs.

Fuel warning

Since January, Central Scotland Police said there had been in excess of 5,000 litres of fuel stolen from both vehicles and goods yards.

In February, 300 litres of diesel was siphoned from two lorries in Killin.

Then in March, 1,000 litres was stolen from three tanks in the village of Balquhidder and 170 litres taken from lorries in Falkirk, Denny and Grangemouth.

The issue has prompted the force to warn farmers and goods yard owners to keep their stocks secure.

A spokeswoman said: "As the cost of fuel rises, thieves are actively targeting fuel tanks and goods yards across the force area.

"The cost of fuel makes it a viable commodity and people should take care and look on it as that."