Tank theft leaves Moray developer baffled
A BAFFLED Moray developer is kicking up a stink, after discovering that two large septic tanks had been stolen from a building site he owns near Roseisle.
Peter Smith could hardly believe his eyes when he realised the two 10ft high tanks had been taken from the rural property at Wester Oldtown.
And he is at a loss to explain how the brazen thieves could have made off with the hefty containers, which cost £800 apiece, without being noticed.
Mr Smith, who lives in Kinloss, admitted that he had not visited the site recently. He plans to build three houses there, but delayed work until the economy improves. That resulted in three septic tanks, and some other equipment, being left beside the building plots.
He discovered on Saturday that the septic tanks had been stolen and reported it to police. He believes the large bottle-shaped tubs to have been taken some time between March 5 and April 7.
“It’s a property development I have had but everything is stagnant at the moment. I was just waiting for the market to pick up a little bit,” he explained.
“As for who has lifted them up, these things are not light. Perhaps it was a wagon with a crane, or a few people who have come together to lift them onto a trailer.
“Everyone has heard the saying s*** happens, but making off with two septic tanks is taking it a bit far.”
What is even more bizarre, according to Mr Smith, is that there were no tyre markings or other signs that anyone had been in the area. “It’s almost as if aliens had come down and lifted them up,” he added.
In his bid to get the septic tanks back, Mr Smith is now appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to get in touch with Grampian Police. A police spokesman confirmed this week that the force is investigating the theft.
“Grampian Police are appealing for anyone who has information relating to the theft of two Balmoral 2500-litre septic tanks from a rural construction property in the Roseisle area of Elgin,” he said.
The white tanks both have green caps and brown pipes coming out of them. He added that anyone with information as to who may have stolen the tanks, or has been offered them to buy, should phone police on 0845 600 5700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if wishing to remain anonymous.