Residents urged to step up oil tank security

30 January 2009

Residents in North Wales are being urged not to leave themselves in the cold this year by making sure their heating oil tanks are kept locked and secure.

Police are also urging neighbours and dog-walkers to keep a lookout for oil thieves, with the number of cases on the rise across the region, the Denbighshire Visitor reports.

Heating oil thieves have targeted a number of schools and residential properties over recent weeks, with the reduction in fuel prices seemingly failing to deter them.

With the economic downturn in full swing, owners who fall victim to the criminals may struggle to refill their oil tanks.

This could be bad news as another bout of cold weather is expected to set in next week, and police are urging residents to make sure they step up security to avoid being left in the cold.

"Simple measure such as planting thorny shrubs near the tanks and ensuring that vehicular access is restricted can help prevent opportunistic thieves operating," said Jonny Hill, community safety sergeant for central division.

Residents could also consider investing in an oil tank lock to help secure their fuel reserves against the threat of theft.

Click here for a home heating oil quote.