Warning after spate of thefts

Police in Orkney have issued security advice to local residents and business owners following a spate of crimes of dishonesty across the island.

Two incidents on the Island of Hoy, including the theft of a charity box from Lyness Ferry Terminal and the attempted forced entry to a coin meter at Longhope Pier, are currently under investigation.

Police understand a further incident occurred at a church in the Bay of Skaill area on the mainland sometime between 5am on Monday April 9 and 6pm on Tuesday April 10.

It is understood a donations box was targeted, however, nothing was found to be stolen.

Inspector Keith Bendall said: “Crimes such as these remain very unusual in the Orkney islands but we are urging people to be aware that they can happen and to take steps to prevent themselves becoming a victim.

“If you have a collection box of any kind it is good practice to keep it in a safe place and to regularly empty it of any cash.

“If you have a security camera then it is worth using it to cover any areas where cash is kept.”