Thieves target farms as diesel prices soar

The rising cost of fuel and the increased values of livestock along with the turmoil in the economy is producing a surge in farm thefts according to NFU Scotland.

Yesterday the union called on its members to show extra vigilance to prevent costly farm thefts after a worrying increase in incidents.

While tractors and quad bikes remain at the top of the target list, there is now a wide range of thefts being carried out. In Lothian and Borders, there are reports of a large increase in thefts of metal farm gates, diesel and farm equipment while union vice-president Nigel Miller, from Stow, Galashiels, has moved his farm diesel tank following several fuel thefts. In addition, an electric battery and fence were stolen.

There are also rising instances of diesel being stolen in the Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire areas, where thefts of quad bikes and portable power tools have also risen. Even bales of silage are not immune from being stolen, one farm in Central Scotland losing 50 silage bales.