Police warning after rise in thefts of used cooking oil from food outlets

Police Scotland is seeing an emerging crime trend across the country involving the theft of used cooking oil from food outlets such as restaurants and take away premises.

A vehicle suspected of being involved in such thefts was seen in suspicious circumstances in the Stonehaven area during the evening of Monday, December 27.

North East Division crime reduction officer PC Mike Urquhart said: "I would advise restaurant and fast food outlet owners to be particularly vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police via 101.

"Keep rear gardens or yards securely locked and consider CCTV and security lighting.

"Used cooking oils are being stolen across the country by organised gangs and being taken south to be processed."