Home » Features

Increase in heating oil theft

With the change in season and decline in temperature homes are getting ready for the cold winter months by stocking up on their heating oil. Unfortunately this has also meant a sudden rise in heating oil thefts around the country with thieves taking advantage of the fuller fuel tanks and police warning homeowners to be extra vigilant.

The latest heating oil thefts have been particularly focused in rural areas of the country where neighbours are more widely spread out and it’s generally a lot quieter making it easier for fuel thieves to target unprotected heating oil tanks.

Aside from personal loss and frustration, heating oil theft can also be damaging to the environment with thieves often breaking tanks causing leaks and spillages that can contaminate and ruin the surrounding landscape leading to costly repairs and any specialist cleaning that may be required.

How can you protect your home against heating oil theft?

• Make sure your heating oil tank is always locked with a secure padlock
• If you have an external tank try and keep it in area that’s not very exposed or consider putting some fencing around that is protected with either an alarm or lock
• Electric alarms can be fixed to tanks that send an alert straight to you if there is a sudden drop in oil levels. Contact your supplier for more information about the types available for your tank
• Motion sensor security lighting can be an effective night time deterrent against heating oil theft
• Regularly check your heating oil levels so you know how much should be in the tank
• If you have a larger domestic or commercial space then CCTV cameras with high quality night time imagery can be a worthwhile investment to help monitor your property

Although homes that use fuel will always be a target for thieves the above are just a few simple ways you can help prevent against any loss and secure your heating oil.