A spate of farm thefts in the Tayside area has put farmers on high alert.

Nearly two weeks ago, a van was stolen from a farm shed in the Benndochy area of Coupar Angus, Perthshire. Early last week, a trailer was stolen from a farm in Collace, Perthshire. Tools and electrical equipment were stolen from a farm shed in the same area, and a nail gun and strimmer were stolen from a farm in Letham, Forfar.

Timeline

Saturday (1 July) to Monday (3 July): Black Volkswagon transporter van (SM14 TCJ) stolen in Coupar Angus.

Sunday night (2 July): Ifor Williams trailer and four silver alloy wheels stolen near Collace.

Tuesday night (4 July): Farm tools and electrical equipment stolen near Collace.

Wednesday night (5 July): Wire cutters stolen from a farm shed in Brechin.

The thefts have prompted a statement from the Police urging people to consider the security of their homes and outbuildings.

They recommend making sure buildings are secure by using British Standard locks and high-security closed-shackle padlocks, removing keys from locks and keeping them out of visible reach.

They also suggest intruder alarms, sensor-operated lighting and making it more difficult for criminals to unscrew the locks and hinges of doors by fitting carriage bolts or clutch-head security screws.

Security marking all equipment with your postcode to increase the likelihood of it being returned if stolen and then subsequently recovered is also advised.