POLICE have offered advice to rural homeowners about protecting their property after a number of thefts were reported in the area in recent weeks.

Officers from the Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Police Division, which covers Helensburgh and Lomond, say that a number of thefts of high volumes of domestic fuel have occurred in the wider Argyll area recently.

On one instance multiple gas canisters and a regulator valve fitted to the side of a property in Arrochar, and believed to be worth around £1,000, were stolen.

The theft is thought to have occurred between Christmas time and the beginning of February at the home in Kirkfield Place.

No CCTV footage has been recovered and no suspects have yet been identified.

Anyone with any information relating to the incident is asked to contact PC Gareth Sims of the roads policing unit at Dunoon police station.

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Heating oil and red diesel are notably the most common items stolen from farms, and police have offered the following tips for preventing fuel thefts:

• Deter thieves from entering your property by installing and using lockable gates and by maintaining boundaries and perimeter fencing

• Plant shrubs or install fences to hide exposed domestic heating oil tanks from the eyes of opportunist thieves cruising the neighbourhood

• Consider fitting a locking cap to your tank

• Check tank oil levels regularly

• Where possible install automatic movement sensor security lighting to cover your tank and the immediate surrounding area

• Note suspicious vehicle registration numbers and report them to the police through the 101 number

• If tanks are located in outbuildings or sheds, ensure these are kept locked

• Be aware that if thieves have already stolen fuel from your tank they may return to steal any replacement oil you order

• Be especially vigilant following a recent delivery of oil/diesel

• Consider fitting an alarm system that notifies you if fuel is being drained from the tank.

Local residents and visitors are encouraged to report all crime and suspicious behaviour to police immediately by calling 101 or dialing 999 in an emergency.