Three men arrested for rural crime sprees

The incidents happened between December 12 last year and January 15 this year where high value items such as 4x4 vehicles, quad bikes, trailers and fuel were stolen.

The man appeared in private at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday (Monday) and was remanded in custody.

A second man, aged 29, has also been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with these offences.

In a separate case, a 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of thefts of vehicles from rural properties in north east Fife.

The incidents happened between August 7 and October 10 last year. A report is being submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man will appear at court at a later date.

Detective Inspector John Anderson of Levenmouth CID said:

“Over the last month we have unfortunately seen an increase in crimes of dishonesty committed in the rural areas of Fife.

“We recognised the significant impact these crimes have on local businesses and the livelihoods of those living and working on our farms and have sought to target those responsible.

“We are using all means available to us and are particularly focusing our resources on intelligence-led policing.

“The local community should be assured that our efforts to tackle this form of criminality will not stop with the arrest of these individuals and we will continue to work with our partners through initiatives such as the Rural Watch scheme to first of all prevent crime and when a crime is committed to catch those responsible.

“I would ask that members of the public assist us by ensuring that their property is secure and they continue to report any suspicious activity.”