Traffic lights and building sites have been targeted by a battery thief who police say is putting lives at risk.

In a spate of crimes across Fife, 63 industrial batteries have been taken since last week.

The Pittenweem recycling centre has lost 24 batteries and 12 have also been stolen from the Glenrothes recycling centre since Monday April 11.

The remainder were working batteries taken from building site equipment or temporary traffic lights across Fife. The batteries are mostly the size of car batteries with those from JCB's and generators being a bit larger.

These will be instantly usable whereas the recycled ones have only a scrap value.

Police in Fife are appealing for witnesses to help put an end to the thoughtless thefts, which, in particular tampering with traffic lights, could be putting the public in danger.

Officers are now urging anyone with information that can assist them in their investigation to get in touch.

Sergeant David Hayes, of Fife Community Safety Partnership, said: "These thefts could cause serious road safety issues in addition to the cost to the contractor or local authority.

"There are also safety concerns around the acid in the batteries if they are being stripped down for the scrap value.

"Anyone with information that can help us trace those responsible is asked to contact us on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

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