SOARING fuel costs have led to a spate of thefts of diesel from farms and goods yards across Scotland.
Police believe relentless rises in pump prices have turned diesel into such a valuable commodity that it is being stolen and resold – joining copper and lead as a target for criminals seeking a quick profit.
Insurers say the crime wave has become
an "epidemic" with claims from farmers doubling in the last three years.
More than 1,000 litres of diesel were stolen from a farm in Balquidder, Stirlingshire, last weekend when thieves siphoned off the fuel from three 5,000-litre tanks on the site.
It follows a number of similar thefts in recent months in different parts of the country.
Constable Derek Mitchell, a community safety officer with Central Scotland Police, said: "As the cost of fuel exceeds £1 per litre thieves are actively targeting fuel tanks at farms and goods yards across the force area.
"I think it's the same for most forces throughout Scotland and, indeed, the UK. The cost of fuel makes it a valuable commodity now and people should take care and look on it as that.
"The price of fuel is obviously a driver for this. When you fill your car up now, it costs £40-£50 and the incentive is there."
He said some of the tanks targeted can store thousands of pounds worth of fuel and he urged farmers and yard-owners to take more security measures.
The theft happened between 7pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday. Mr Mitchell said a vehicle would have been used to transport the stolen fuel.
He added: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been offered fuel for sale at a reduced cost."
The force is also investigating another theft between 22-25 February when 300 litres of diesel were stolen from two lorries in Manse Road, Killin.
Earlier this month 170 litres of fuel were siphoned from lorries in yards at Falkirk, Denny and Grangemouth. Around the same time a German truck had fuel taken as it parked near Falkirk.
Last July a large quantity of diesel was stolen from a transport firm in Banknock and the previous month a lorry and fuel were taken in Carronshore.
Spates of diesel thefts have also been reported in Aberdeenshire and the Borders.
Grampian Police issued warnings to businesses after diesel was drained from tanks in a compound in Turriff. Last year the force highlighted thefts in Findon, Portgordon, Buckie, New Byth, Turriff and Cornhill.
Last February 800 litres of diesel were stolen from premises in Monymusk, while raids were also carried out on a Fraserburgh garage and a lorry in Crimond.
A spate of diesel thefts was also reported in Dumfries and Galloway in May, 2006.
Tim Price, of the rural insurers NFU Mutual, said: "We have certainly seen a sharp increase in farm thefts over recent years but a new epidemic is the theft of diesel fuel from farms. In fact we have seen claims double in the past three years.
"One of the main reasons for this is the increase in fuel prices – making diesel an attractive target for thieves."
