Thieves have made off with around £1,000 worth of gas canisters from a Rosyth business after using power tools to cut through a steel security fence.
Clarik Engineering and Industrial Supplies in Dunfermline Business Park was targeted by thieves on Sunday evening.
CCTV cameras captured four men in Primrose Lane at around 10pm shortly before they are thought to have cut through several steel fence bars at the firm’s premises.
That allowed thieves access to a cage storing dozens of gas canisters.
Power tools used to cut through the fence
Security cameras then captured images of a car leaving the area shortly before 10.30pm.
Owner, Richard Harrison, told The Courier the theft of the 11 large Calor gas canisters came as a shock when staff discovered them missing on Tuesday morning.
He said: “The gas is stored in a steel fence cage complete with wire mesh roof so we thought it would be safe.
“However the thieves have used cordless cutting tools to get through the steel bars.
“You can still see the marks where they have dragged the canisters across the grass verge to a waiting vehicle.”
The theft comes as a blow to the firm which only moved into the new showroom in March.
“We had a similar theft two years ago at our old premises but this is the first time we’ve been targeted here,” said Richard.
“It’s a cost we can ill afford as it’s not just the cost of the gas, which is about £1,000, but also the extra cost of now having to reinforce the storage area.”
Warning for other businesses
Richard said he plans to cover the damaged outer perimeter fence with a solid metal sheet costing several hundred pounds in a bid to deter the thieves.
And he is warning other firms to be vigilant and to make sure they don’t leave themselves open to attack.
“As winter approaches the theft of gas generally increases but with the added deepening cost of living crisis it’s only going to get worse,” said Richard.
“That’s why I’m warning other firms in the area to be aware and increase security to try an deter the thieves.”
Police investigation
Police have confirmed they are investigating the theft while Richard said several other businesses and nearby residents have come forward with additional CCTV footage which is to be handed to officers.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Tuesday police in Fife received a report of a theft which is believed to have taken place in the Primrose Lane area of Rosyth over the preceding days.
“Enquiries are at an early stage.”
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