Three charged with alleged north-east cooking oil thefts
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Three men aged 51, 32 and 21 have been charged in connection with the alleged theft of used cooking oils across the north-east and Tayside between Thursday, March 10 and Wednesday 16.
The men are due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today (Thursday)
Detective Constable Lewis Ingram said: "Our enquiries into these incidents remain ongoing and I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a theft to report it.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101."
In a recent incident on Saturday, March 12 used cooking oil was from a hotel in Stonehaven.
Two males attended at the hotel and falsely claimed to be from a legitimate company.
North East Division crime reduction officer PC Mike Urquhart said ‘I would advise restaurants, hotels and fast food outlet owners to be particularly vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police via 101.
"This appears to be a very sophisticated and organised group of criminals whom have the ability to travel throughout the country committing these crimes.
"Used cooking oils are being stolen across the country and being taken south to be processed.
"If you have any doubts call the company that normally makes your used oil collections in order to verify identities.
"Thieves are on occasion presenting false identification.’
