The call comes following more thefts in Angus last week, mirroring incidents elsewhere in Tayside. The Force is repeating its call for operators in the area to tighten up on security of storage tanks and vehicles and report any suspicious goings on.
Premises in Old Brechin Road and Muiryfaulds, Forfar, were the latest to be targeted for thefts over the last week or so, with hundreds of litres of diesel being stolen.

A spokesman said: "It is clear that thieves are looking to take advantage of any premises where security is easy to overcome and we have seen a concerning increase in thefts over the last few months. I would appeal to operators and their staff to do everything possible to deter the opportunist thief."

Wherever fuel is kept in large quantities, fuel storage tanks should be kept in an area that is well lit. They should also be secured with a closed hasp and high quality padlock on the filler cap.

Where possible tanks should be relocated inside suitable, lockable outbuildings that can be fitted with an alarm. Otherwise, tanks can be given the additional security of being surrounded by a metal cage. Fuel valves should be guarded against attack from bolt cutters.

Vehicles left in an open compound can also be vulnerable and should, therefore, be fitted with lockable fuel caps. Again, where possible, vehicles should be parked hard up against a fence or wall to prevent easy access to the fuel cap for thieves.

There are also many products on the market that are specifically designed to prevent siphoning, as well as adapted locking caps or devices. These items are designed to be permanently fitted to fuel tanks and make it more difficult for the thief.

Tayside Police asks the public to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity, people or vehicles seen near to premises storing diesel. Also, anyone who is offered cheap or cut price diesel for sale should realise they, too, could end up committing a crime and should decline any such offers and report them to the police.

In relation general security of commercial premises, security lighting should be used, access gates should always be locked out of hours and serious consideration should be given to installing CCTV systems.

Free security advice is available from your local Crime Reduction Officer at 01307 303937.

Anyone who has information concerning the recent thefts at Old Brechin Road, Forfar between 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, and 3 p.m. on Wednesday June 25, or in the area of Muiryfaulds between 9.05 p.m. and 9.35 p.m. on Friday, June 27 should contact the police on 0845 6005705 or Crimestoppers 0800 55511.