Thieves target heating oil tanks in East Anglia

30 September 2008

Police are warning heating oil users in East Anglia to remain vigilant as winter approaches, according to local sources.

Norfolk Constabulary has advised householders, farmers and anyone else who uses a heating oil tank to lock them up in a bid to reduce fuel crime, reports the Norwich Evening News.

The rising cost of fuel bills has led thieves to target tanks at businesses, farms and even in cars.

A police spokesman suggested that consumers restrict access to their fuel tanks while making sure they are well lit and within sight of nearby buildings.

Other good security measures involve placing metal caging around the tank and padlocking it.

"Control switches should be located in a secure building and the electricity supply turned off when the tank is not in use," added the police spokesman to the paper.

Oil prices tumbled by ten per cent on Monday as the US House of Representatives rejected a $700 billion (£386.5 billion) aid programme.

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