Domestic Heating Oil Theft

Don’t become a victim and be left out in the cold. With the recent increase in the cost of fuel, domestic heating oil is becoming a target for thieves.

It is difficult to secure such a valuable asset as it is kept outside, often in full view and has to be accessed easily by your fuel supplier. If damaged by thieves it could also cause an environmental catastrophe. If your tank is emptied by a thief then you could be left with no heating over a cold snap and risk damage to your property and contents.

Here is some advice to improve the security of your fuel supplies.

• Consider erecting a metal cage round your tank with a secondary lockable access hatch to the filler cap. Obviously you have to ensure you are available when the tanker driver requires access to fill it up. Any padlock should be the highest quality you can afford and be of the closed hasp design.
• Position of the tank is important. If it is out of view of your house windows and near a path or road then it is easier for the thief to target. You have also to consider access to the tank by the legitimate tanker driver.
• Security lights can have a positive effect and deter thieves. It is not always necessary to floodlight the area with high power beams. Low energy dusk to dawn lights positioned close to the tank can provide a deterrent. This type of lighting is inexpensive and effective. Movement detectors which operate security lights can also activate alarms.
• Oil level gauges which are remotely operated are now available which set off an alarm if the oil level in a tank suddenly drops or falls below quarter full. These can be bought for less than £100.
• Check the oil level in your tank regularly for any spilt fuel, marks on your lock or any suspicious object alien to your garden nearby.
• CCTV can be deployed to watch over your tank and is a deterrent to thieves. There are many systems available and we recommend you purchase the best you can afford ensuring the camera is capable of capturing pictures at night or with the supplementary lighting you already have.
• Tanks can be stored inside outbuildings but there are strict regulations which must be followed and advice could be sought from the fire service.

The above advice should be looked at as a package of measures. With the possibility of further fuel price increases, taking no action to improve your security is not really an option.

If you require any further advice please contact your local Crime Prevention Officer