Council contractors robbed by stealth over three month period in Abronhill

A construction firm who police will not name at this point, have reported the theft, which could easily have been seen as a routine uplift of materials to residents.

North Lanarkshire Council has admitted that the scaffolding was being used for a project undertaken by the local authority and the Scottish Government to make homes more energy efficient.

The scaffolding had been deposited on the street for workmen to piece together.

But time and time again, a criminal gang got there first and loaded a ‘‘large quantity” of scaffolding into a van.

It may not be too difficult to locate as the piping is partially covered in distinctive and brightly coloured detail along its length. (pictured)

Now police are hoping that the public will help them catch the thieves. For signs suggest they were a fairly regular presence on the street. Officers say that the scaffolding started to disappear in February.

The alarm was however, only raised by builders by the end of May and the culprits are still at large.

Meanwhile Trading Standards officer Peter Fergie said: “We would ask neighbours to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police our ourselves. Reports are always treated confidentially.”

A spokeswoman from North Lanarkshire Council said that the council was working with police to try and catch those responsible.