THE theft of fuel from petrol stations is becoming “an increasing trend” in Helensburgh and Lomond, the town’s police inspector has said.

A report to local councillors has stated that acquisitive crime figures are rising, with the cost of living being partly blamed.

Inspector Bart Simonis also reported that officers are supporting local businesses to try to reduce the frequency of the offences.

The document will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee at its meeting on Tuesday, September 10.

The inspector said: “Acquisitive crime remains a local priority. Figures across the country are on an upward trajectory, which in part is a result of the cost of living.

“We are working with our preventions team looking at maximising our crime prevention opportunities and looking at innovative ways to increase local awareness.

“We are working with our communities to identify areas of vulnerability where we can engage with our partners to maximise our response.

“In Helensburgh our community policing officers are engaging with local businesses in the retail sector to reduce shoplifting.

"Officers are taking ownership by identifying those responsible, collating information and seeking bail conditions restricting access by the perpetrators. Theft of fuel from petrol stations continues to be an increasing trend.

“Along with our preventions team we are supporting local business to ensure that we are providing crime prevention advice and seeking local business to review practises to reduce the volume of these crimes.”

Inspector Simonis added: “Bike register marking kits have been distributed to police offices across Argyll and Bute, available to members of the public on request.

“Once registered on the bike register, the unique QR coded stickers can be used to identify lost and stolen bikes. These cannot be removed, acting as a visible deterrent to bicycle theft.

“Our preventions team have been closely involved in a number of new build secured by design projects being progressed in the Argyll and Bute area, ensuring crime prevention is an integral part of the design and build process.

“The team also recently visited Helensburgh with the trading standards ‘scam van’ engaging with members of the public, raising awareness of current prevalent types of fraudulent activity.”