Five men have been arrested in connection with the theft of cooking oil across the north-east.
The men, aged between 22 and 51, have been arrested and charged in connection with the offences in Stonehaven, Laurencekirk, Montrose and Cupar, between March 10 and April 7.
Reports will be submitted for the procurator fiscal and they are expected to appear in court at a later date.
According to police, cooking oil thieves are striking everywhere across Scotland. They have warned that used cooking oil is being stolen to be sold on to be used as vehicle fuel.
Officers are now urging restaurants, hotels and takeaways to remain “vigilant”.
Chief inspector Jackie Knight said: “Thanks to the vigilance of our communities a number of people have now been arrested in the north-east in connection with the theft or attempted theft of used cooking oil.
“However, I would advise restaurants, hotels and fast food outlet owners to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police.
“People travel throughout the country committing these crimes and the approaches used can be sophisticated. If you have any doubts call the company that normally makes your used oil collections in order to verify identities.”
She has advised that rear gardens and yards are securely locked and that owners should consider installing CCTV cameras and security lighting in areas where used oil is stored.
Warning as organised crime gang targets cooking oil from north-east hotels and restaurants
