Heating oil theft prompts warning to residents

23 April 2009

Home heating oil customers in Hampshire have been urged to make sure their oil tanks are kept secure following an attempted theft at one address in the region.

The incident occurred last week when the culprits broke into the garden of a property in Woolton Hill and cut the copper pipe leading from the house to a heating oil tank, before siphoning off some of the fuel.

Although only a small amount of heating oil was stolen, PC Will Butcher of Basingstoke police station was keen to remind residents of the need to ensure their fuel tanks are kept locked.

Homeowners are advised to keep tanks away from the roadside and put up fencing around them to deter thieves, while using a padlock also makes it more difficult for them to be targeted.

PC Butcher added: "This happened in a normally quiet area and we would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious between the times stated to contact police as soon as possible."

The number of heating oil thefts reported has fallen in recent months as oil prices have plummeted, but security remains an important consideration for residents across the UK.

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