Two men sentenced after vehicles stolen across Fife

At Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Derrin Gunn pleaded guilty to charges relating to the theft of vehicles and reset.

He was sentenced on Monday to 38 months in prison.

A second man, Calvin Sturrock, received a community payback order with two years supervision after admitting the same offences.

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Detective Inspector Stuart Hunter, of Fife Division CID, said: “Acquisitive crime can have a real impact on members of the public and I hope this outcome sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated in our community.

“We will continue focussing our efforts on disrupting this type of criminal activity and bring those responsible to justice."

“I would encourage people to take the necessary steps to avoid falling victim to acquisitive crime.

"It is important to always lock your vehicles and remove keys and any valuables when it is unattended.

"We would also advise you to keep your homes secure at all times and identify an appropriate safe place to store keys to vehicles which is away from your front door.

“If you have any information or concerns about acquisitive crime in your area, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Recently the divisional commander for Fife, chief superintendent Derek McEwan, said vehicle theft was one of the reasons behind a spike in housebreakings.

He had told councillors: "There’s a real problem throughout Scotland with keyless thefts, where individuals have mechanisms to steal your car off your driveway without your keys.

“It’s organised gangs doing this, from Fife but also Dundee and Edinburgh.

“Unfortunately these individuals can be pretty ruthless. If you get into a pursuit with them they’re in a high performance vehicle, you’re talking over 100 mph.

“So a large part in the rise in housebreakings is down to that. It’s a break in to steal property but they’re stealing your car as well.”