The appeal follows a number of reported incidents earlier this month, where thieves have either stolen or attempted to steal fuel from outdoor storage tanks.

An attempt to steal diesel was made at Tayock Farm, on the A935 outside Montrose sometime between Tuesday, November 3, and 2.45 pm on Friday, November 6.

A fuel tank in a garden in Westmuir Road, Westmuir, which is normally used in the heating of a property presently under renovation, was also targeted by thieves.

Noises were heard in the back garden of the property at about 11.40 pm on Sunday, November 8 and the damage to the fuel tank was discovered later. Nothing is believed to have been taken.

Approximately 400-litres of diesel was stolen from a tank at Cononsyth Farm, a short distance from the Friockheim to Carmyllie road. The fuel - worth about £250 - was siphoned from the tank sometime between 5 pm on Monday, November 9, and 8 am on Wednesday, November 11.

Anyone with information concerning any of these incidents should call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer. Alternatively they can pass information anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tayside Police advises that, 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.Furthermore, Tayside Police would ask the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, people or vehicles seen near to premises storing diesel.

Anyone who is offered cheap or cut price diesel to buy should be aware that they too could end up committing a crime. They 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.

Any Angus residents or businesses requiring security and crime prevention can contact the local area Crime Reduction Officer on 01307 303937.