Red diesel is being stolen from farm and construction machinery in part of a spree that is affecting the central belt in Scotland.

Neilston farms and the construction site at the new Barrhead skatepark on Aurs Road, Barrhead.

It is believed the thieves are hoping to make a profit by selling on the fuel or save money by using it in their own cars.

Barrhead police Community Inspector Alan Dickson said: “I would ask farmers, family, residents and business owners to keep an eye on their premises and ensure that anything storing red diesel is secured against theft.

““I am appealing to anyone who has recently discovered a theft of red diesel, or recognises the items pictured, to contact the police as soon as possible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around farm premises, building sites or similar areas in the last few days.” Red diesel is illegal for use in private motor cars because little to no tax is paid by farmers and a number of other commercial and construction uses.

The fuel is chemically identical to normal diesel fuel from the pumps at the local petrol station, however to make it identifiable it has had a red dye added which means the authorities are able to identify it if it is being used illegally.

Anyone caught using the red diesel may face having their vehicle seized and a fine up to 100 per cent of the duty that should have been imposed on the fuel in the tank.

Thieves can use hoses to siphon the fuel from unlocked fuel tanks, or more worryingly, drill holes into vehicle fuel tanks to steal the fuel.

Inspector Dickson added: “I would ask anyone who does have any information that may assist us in our enquiries to contact us on 101.” Last week the Barrhead News reported how the skatepark had been hit by vandals, and a digger had it’s windows smashed between August 6 and August 11.