Heating oil stolen from hospitalised woman

3 September 2008

An 83-year-old woman in Northern Ireland has had heating oil stolen from her home while she was in hospital, it has emerged.

The Ulster Herald reports that the woman was admitted after suffering a stroke.

She had ordered £300 of home heating oil shortly before but found that her tank had been drained when she returned after six weeks in hospital.

A police spokesperson noted that a number of thefts had taken place in the area, telling the publication: "People should try to ensure that oil tanks are locked and be vigilant. If you observe any suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood, do not hesitate to call the police."

Last month Abbey Insurance urged people to check their home insurance policies, as it found that one in ten do not cover stolen heating oil.

In addition, just two per cent of the policies it studied allow unlimited cover in the event of such a theft.

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