Police issue warning over heating oil thefts in Devon

13 August 2012

Posted by Neil Brunskill

Police in Devon have issued a warning after a spate of heating oil thefts in the county left homeowners thousands of litres short of the fuel for winter.

Several homes in Bideford have been targeted in recent weeks, prompting officers to encourage people to keep a better eye on their supplies, the North Devon Gazette reports.

PC Derek Broadribb and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Paul Uden recommended padlocking tank caps, fitting belly straps to plastic models and checking oil levels weekly to ensure nothing is being siphoned off.

"If at all possible, any areas that house oil tanks should have some type of security lighting in place and affordable CCTV to overlook yards and outbuildings," added PCSO Uden.

Anyone who sees heating oil theft taking place or has information about incidents in Devon or elsewhere is advised to call the police non-emergency number to report them.

It is not only the south of England where fuel is being targeted - the National Farmers' Union in Scotland recently told the Scotsman there is a rural crimewave taking place in the north, with oil often taken to be sold on the black market.

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.