Security warning after farmers’ leader targeted by fuel thieves

FRESH concerns were raised last night over security at rural properties after the president of the National Farmers’ Union in Scotland became the latest target in a recent spate of fuel thefts from farms.

Jim McLaren yesterday called for vigilance after thieves attempted to steal fuel and copper piping from his farm near Crieff.

The incident happened just hours after police in Tayside and Grampian warned motorists and oil-tank owners to review their security procedures following similar fuel thefts and attempted thefts.

Mr McLaren, 40, believes the gang responsible for the incident at his farm visited on Wednesday in what he believes was part of a “reconnaissance mission”.

The group returned in the evening before being interrupted by a worker in the early hours of yesterday.

Mr McLaren last night acknowledged how fortunate he had been but urged farmers who see or hear anything suspicious to call the police.

He said: “I hope this experience can serve as a timely reminder of the importance of security. Many of these people seem to be operating as part of organised gangs, and they plan well. They visited my farm during the day asking questions about our fuel supplies and were obviously performing some kind of ‘recce’.

“They then returned in the early evening before finally being caught red-handed by my dairyman at 3.30am as they ferried all sorts of items to a point at the farm boundary. He said: “I want to urge all farmers to think carefully about their security.”

A spokeswoman for NFU Scotland said: “Our message to farmers is that while it would appear fuel is the main target, it’s important they keep in mind the vast amount of high-value commodities on their farm.”