Heating oil theft 'can still take place in spring'

26 April 2012

Posted by Neil Brunskill

Police in Carrick have warned heating oil users to carry on being vigilant with their fuel throughout the year, not just in winter.

A spokesperson for the local force explained in the Carrick Gazette that some people assume theft is something that will only occur in the colder months. However, it is actually a problem even when it is warmer.

"Most domestic heating oil users only check their tanks every few weeks or months and are unaware if a thief is regularly siphoning off small quantities at a time," the source warned.

The advice comes after two separate thefts occurred recently in the Scottish Highlands. STV reported that red diesel was stolen from inside a vehicle, while 700 litres of heating oil was also taken from outside someone's home.

Carrick Police recommended placing tanks close to a window, checking them regularly and perhaps protecting them with security lights, locks and an alarm system.

If you have been the victim of a heating oil theft in the last year, visit BoilerJuice's new oil theft watch service to make an anonymous report or to register for free oil theft alerts in your area