The thefts took place over the last week in the Gartocharn area with copper cable stripped from overhead power lines near to homes at Mid Gartocharn Farm and Alt-a-Choille, Gartocharn.  Police believe the theft took place around 7.45am on Wednesday, July 30.

In a separate incident, thought to have happened sometime between midnight and 7.40am on August 1, a kilometre of copper cable was stolen from overhead power lines near to Lochaber in Alexandria.  Police also responded to Ardoch Farm after the owner reported that 450 metres of copper power cable had been stolen between 11pm on Sunday, August 3 and 5am the next morning.

Now they are appealing for witnesses following the incidents Inspector Neil Smith told the Reporter: “Not only was significant damage and expense caused as a result of these thefts, but those responsible also put their own health in danger by risking electrocution.

“I would ask landowners to remain particularly vigilant to any suspicious activity as individuals responsible for such thefts often attend remote areas, such as forest tracks, for the purpose of stripping the metal from the cable.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.