THE number of shoplifting offences in Oban Lorn and the Isles, and Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands, has doubled in three months, police have reported.
However, officers have added that many of the 16 offences recorded have been attributed to one person, who has been reported.
A separate part of the report also highlights a recent theft of around 1,500 litres of fuel in the Oban area, although there has been no repeat of the thefts of heating oil.
The details feature in a report which will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles community planning group on Wednesday, August 12.
The document said: “We have had one recent theft of fuel from the Oban area where approximately 1,500l of fuel was taken over the weekend.
“Thankfully we have not seen a replication of the thefts of heating oil we experienced during the previous three months. We also have not had any theft of quad bikes or other machinery.
“In total there were 45 reports of theft (up eight), four theft by housebreaking (which includes sheds etc).
“We have seen a distinct rise in the number of theft by shoplifting going up from eight to 16. However, a large number of these are attributed to one individual who has been reported for a number of offences and a large amount of stolen goods have been returned to their owners.
“We understand that this is a problem throughout the whole force area and we continue to encourage business owners to use the Police Scotland online reporting tool, to report shoplifting.”
The report added: “Frauds, as stated in the February report, continue to be the largest area of financial loss which is replicated throughout the whole of the country. In this reporting period we have had the report of 20 frauds.
“Our partnerships team continue to provide valuable advice to the public and held meetings in local banks where they provided safety advice.
“We continue to support the telephone 159 number which allows members of the public to contact and speak directly to their bank should they suspect suspicious activity.”
