Heating oil thieves target school

23 February 2012

Posted by Kim Bardsley

A school in Cumbria has become the latest property in the county to be targeted by heating oil thieves, as it had 1,000 litres of fuel stolen last week.

The News & Star stated the theft, which occurred during the half-term holiday at Hunter Hall School at Frenchfield, Penrith, is one of a series of crimes in the region, with at least nine incidents being reported in the north of the county so far this year.

Police urged homeowners in rural areas to remain especially vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles.

They should also make daily checks of their perimeter fencing and oil tank security measures, the local force added.

It noted that in some of the thefts this year, criminals have cut through fencing to access the commodity, while on other occasions they were able to take advantage of unsecured tanks to siphon the heating oil.

Last week, the News & Star reported police had issued a warning about the spate of thefts, which were stated to have occurred "right across the area".

Around £2,000 worth of fuel had been stolen in total prior to the theft at Hunter Hall School, amounting to around £220 per location.

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