Falkirk copper pipe theft causes gas leak
Thieves in Falkirk caused a gas leak after "recklessly" stealing 2ft (61cm) of copper piping connected to a meter.
Scotland Gas Networks was alerted after a member of the public reported the smell of gas in Main Street, Bainsford.
Police were called after the company found that a gas meter and pipe had been removed from a nearby property.
The meter had been left by the side of the building, but the copper pipe connecting it to the network was missing.
PC Gerry Delaney said: "This is a reckless act which could, so easily, have caused considerable damage to property and harm to life.
"For the sake of stealing 2ft of copper piping, the person responsible has put local residents at risk by leaving gas leaking from a main pipe.
"We need to trace whoever has done this and we're asking the public to help us with our inquiry."
It is thought the theft happened some time between 00.00 on Thursday and 16:00, when the gas leak was detected.