SCOTTISH Water is warning people to be particularly cautious at a reservoir near Dalry following the theft of safety fencing.

Thieves have stolen about 100 metres of newly installed fencing which was erected to protect members of the public from falling from a height of about three metres into a spillway (overflow) at the Caaf reservoir west of the town.

The company says those responsible for the theft could put lives at risk and is calling on anyone who witnesses any vandalism or theft of property at any reservoir to contact the police.

The fencing theft follows the vandalism of new safety signs at reservoirs in the Paisley and Greenock areas earlier this summer.

Mrs Jane McKenzie, Scottish Water’s regional communities team manager for the area, said: “Scottish Water continually reminds people of the need to stay safe if they are in or near rivers, reservoirs and lochs.

“The fencing was installed recently to help prevent anyone falling into the spillway at the reservoir, which is owned by Scottish Water but is not operational and is due to be de-commissioned.

“We would ask members of the public to be very careful if they are near the reservoir.

“We are very disappointed that the fencing has been stolen and would warn those responsible that their actions could endanger people’s lives.” She added: “Reservoirs are man-made features which, because of their purpose, have unique dangers such as dams, spillways and other hidden water hazards common to natural bodies of water, for example reeds, strong currents, steep banks and deep cold water.”