Given the increasing value of heating oil sitting in our oil tanks, it’s not suprising to find out that heating oil thefts are on the increase. If you’ve been the victim of an oil theft please let us know by posting it here, let us know the postcode and general location, ie, village name etc so others can be warned of this kind of activity in the area.
Just realised today i have been a victim of oil theft 500 litres .Had a delivery of Bangor fuels 3 weeks ago . Bt 21 oez . Guess i wont be back there again .
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David, Donaghadee. Reply:
January 14th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Had 500 litres delivered by Bangor Fuels only 4 weeks ago and just discovered to-day that our tank is empty! 500 litres should have lasted us another six weeks at least, based on previous usage. This is not the first time this has happened. I have no doubt that we have been the victims of oil theft!! 14th January 2009.
Post Code: BT21 0HZ.
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Hello, I’ve been looking for some articles about heating contractor. I can see that you too have the same interests. Your post on “Oil thefts – Please report!” is a good example so I hope that you can keep providing information. I wish you every success.
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On the evening of Dec 23rd 2008 our neighbour has approx 350litres of heating oil stolen frhis tank in the middle of he night. What a nice xmas present to have. The location was to the East of West Malling ME19.
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i have had my tank syphoned this week. i rang my oil delivery company and they have had many reportings. oil company is in haslemere surrey area , i am between petworth adn midhurst. west susses. do beware
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Our neighbours suspect they have been hit by a theft on new years eve while away. They filled up at the start of October 08, tank holding approx 1300 liters. New years day we found the family alsation dog, dead, on the drive in a pool of vomit (assumed poisoned as we also found dog biscuits of a type he doesn’t have, scattered on the drive). The boiler ran dry of oil that day on their return. We heard and saw nothing, the dog was fine at 10.15pm. At first we didn’t connect the two incidents, as there was no sign of a theft and we were more concerned with demise of the poor dog. But that usage seems excessive, as we only use 2000 liters in a year and we live in the same type of house, so we suspect that the tank may have been approx half full. The midnight fireworks must have been a cover for the theft (or poisoning, ready for the theft in the early hours). I suggest that tank filler lids are at least marked or sealed in some way so at least you know when they have been tampered with. A twist of wire or a very weak, easily broken lock should avoid damage to the tank.
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Oil thefts – Please report! was interesting. You seem very knowledgeable in servicing insurance.
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Burgular Disemboweless is the answer.
In other words,plant as many thorny prickly plants such as clinbing roses, pyracantha , berberis and holly, train them up wires and trellis which is fixed to the tank, train all the shoots to wind around the drain points and fill up points on your tank. Wearing thick gardening gloves, pull back to allow the tank to be filled and push back when done. Its unlikely a would be oil theif will continue with such a srong deterrant and time delay. It also serves to disguise your tank as well as adding somemore colour to your garden.
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oil theft on day after delivery of 800 litres. trap is set for any further attempt. warwickshire
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i had oil delivered by bangor fuels end dec 500l i live in a small house and am out of the house greatest part of the day and heating is only running 2 or 3 hours a day! therefore lasts 3 or 4 months! i paid in cash for the delivery! on saturday afternoon a thuggish looking bald man knocked on my door from clandeboye fuels demanding money for oil delivered to my house i have never used this company and showed the man the receipt the guy who said in an intimidating way he needed money for the delivery or else they would suck out the oil in my tank…as i had my oil delivered in dec its almost finished…every day since sat my door and front window has been almost put in by this man what can i do? i’ve contacted the police who have said its a civil matter has anyone else experienced this? i need to buy more oil but am scared that if i fill my tank this man from clandeboye fuels is going to suck it all out………please help
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The papers this week are reporting a massive increase in the number of heating oil thefts across the UK.
Police have issued advice on how the oil tanks can be protected after criminals have been reported stealing large quantities of oil and in come cases, attacking those who witness the crime.
Figures reveal that the majority of the thefts came during the coldest part of the year – winter and early spring.
The increase in thefts over the last two years corresponds roughly with the rise in crude oil prices so, hopefully now that prices have gone down so will the thefts.
Most of the criminals are using vans with large tanks inside and a small electric pump to remove the contents. Emptying a full tank can take a considerable amount of time, which is why some offenders take a little and then return at a later date. So if you’ve already been unfortunate enough to experience a burglary, beware that they may return.
Police are issuing the following advice to residents to make their fuel tanks as secure as possible:
• If possible site the tank so that it is visible from the house and as far away from roads, paths and other public access routes as possible.
• Install security lighting to protect the area around the tank as most offences take place overnight.
• A remote oil level gauge situated in the house will give warning of any sudden drop in oil level by sounding an alarm.
• Lock the filler cap using a good quality padlock and protect the feed pipes to the house where possible.
• Make access to the tank as difficult as possible by using fencing with a lockable access gate or perhaps a thorny hedge.
• Report any suspect activity to the police straight away.
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Hey guys, sorry to hear about the thefts. I come regarding oil usage. Over the last 6 months, my Grandmother has had to get a fresh delivery of 500 litres a month, when before then (Over 5 years), we usually make do with 500 litres every 3-4 months. We have put it down to theft and I have made a fence around it with a padlock. But, just 3 and a half week after having 500 litres, its run out. The heating is only used for 4 hours a day and to heat water. Anyone have any idea how we are using so much?
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Paul Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Have you made sure that your grandmother’s tank is not leaking anywhere. Is it a modern, plastic tank or an old metal one. If the latter then it might be worth checking to make sure. I’m not sure if it could leak anywhere else but the extra volume she is using does sound strange.
Also, does she have her boiler serviced every year as that could make a difference.
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I live near Barnstaple in North Devon and had over 500 litres stolen sometime during the last few weeks. Had the plumber out, no leaks. Had 1000 litres delivered at the end of May this year and it is all gone.
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My scout group located in Northfleet, Kent, had thier tank done 3 times in a week.
First time they undone the drain valve and took about 50 litres, presumably the test run, next night after increasing the security on the valve and filler cap, they returned and removed the drain valve, spilling and stealing another 200 litres. This time we sealed the drain plug with a locking plug, and plenty of never to undo sealant, then 3 nights later they cut the delivery pipe to the building.
Fortunately the muck in the tank blocked the tank filter after about 200 litres, leaving about 500 litres in the tank, and no heating for our meetings.
They were very determined as they would have had to carry it some 200 yards and get it out of a hole in the fence, so they must have been using 5 gallon drums.
The clear up and new tank and fitting cost us nearly £2000.
We now have a new tank inside the boiler house, BUT my guess is they’ll be back for that sooner or later.
The police where useless, as usual, and the oil and damage is not covered on our insurance.
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I have just had 2000 liters of heating oil stolen from my back garden.reading others i think they had a test run about six weeks ago ,taking about 100 liters , thinking i had run out i orded more thinking this would last until next xmas at least. woke up sunday to find the whole lot has gone.
I live 12 miles outside of Salisbury . Ho well it’s only -2 tonight.
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Had 500 litres delivered on the 23rd December. Have been back in Ireland for a couple of weeks for a relatives funeral. Came back a few days ago and discovered last night that all the oil is gone. Normally that would do us for about 4 months. Leaky pipe, hole in my tank or has someone stolen it? I know what I suspect!!
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had 500 litres delivered on monday, its saturday and we are empty. we noticed that our tank had been tampered with on thursday. this is the second time in 2 months. the general location is bridgerule, holsworthy, devon.
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