POLICE and farming leaders launch a leaflet advising farmers how to stop thieves stealing fuel at John Swan’s Christmas Cracker at St Boswells mart on Tuesday afternoon.
Lothian and Borders Police warn the longers hours of darkness over winter give criminals more opportunity to steal fuel from varying sizes of tanks on farms.
Inspector John Scott said: “The quantities of fuel stolen from farmlands ranges from as little as 10 litres, to several hundred litres and demonstrates a need to ensure all fuel tanks are suitably protected from thieves.
“Not only does fuel theft have a significant financial implication for the victim, it has previously resulted in damage to farmland, with fuel being left to spill out onto the ground after thieves have taken as much as they can.”
The leaflet suggests good places to store fuel tanks and give information on control switches and oil gauges and recommendations for general security measures such as CCTV and security lighting.
NFU Scotland’s Borders manager, Nina Clancy said: “Rising prices make fuel stocks a target for theft but the good news for farmers and those living in the countryside is that they can take a few simple steps to protect their fuel stocks this winter.
“I urge all those in rural households to pick up this useful leaflet. It provides many helpful hints on how to protect your property and goods and will leave even the most secure premises better protected against theft this winter.”
Police and NFU Scotland representatives will be at the event and otherwise the leaflets are available at local police stations.