Criminal gangs suspected of using sophisticated technology to steal from locked vehicles have struck again across Fife.
Police have reported at least seven thefts from locked Ford Transit vans across the region since the start of this month.
Officers have now urged van owners to consider extra security measures in a bid to deter the thieves.
People have also been warned not to leave valuable items in the vehicles overnight.
Vans have been targeted in Rosyth, Steelend, Lochgelly, Newburgh, Crail and East Wemyss.
A number of high-value items have been stolen, including tools and electrical equipment.
Police believe the criminals are using a high-tech device which can overcome the vehicles’ locking mechanism without them having to force entry.
The devices, known as jammers, block the signal sent from the key fob to the car, meaning it stays unlocked.
The technology, available for around £30, is believed to have been used elsewhere in the country to steal high-performance vehicles.
Detective Inspector Colin Robson of Fife CID said: “There has been a rise in the number of these incidents since the start of October.
“This is not just a local issue, with similar crimes occurring all over the country.”
He added: “It appears from the circumstances that the people responsible are using some form of device of piece of equipment which is used to unlock the vehicle without the need to force entry.
“We are aware that items of this nature exist and are being put to criminal use so we are working with other divisions across Police Scotland and associated partners in an effort to prevent these crimes occurring.”
The latest incidents follow a previous spate of thefts across Fife and Perthshire in May.
Vehicles were targeted in Kirkcaldy, Cowdenbeath and Dunfermline and tools and machinery were taken.
Around £500 of construction equipment was also stolen from a parked van in Perth.
The latest thefts happened in Main Street, East Wemyss, on Monday October 10; Nethergate North, Crail, on Wednesday October 12; High Street, Lochgelly, on Friday October 14; Harley Street, Rosyth, on Sunday October 16; Youngside Place, Newport, on Monday October 17; Camdean Crescent, Rosyth, on Wednesday October 19, and Clatchard Court, Newburgh, on Monday October 24.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
