Heating oil thefts prompt police warning to residents

16 February 2009

Residents in Wales are being urged to take steps to secure their oil tanks following a spate of thefts in the area.

Criminals have struck at a number of premises in Haverfordwest and have targeted both diesel fuel and home heating oil in the attacks, the Tivy-Side Advertiser reports.

Neighbourhood policing teams are particularly keen to increase awareness of the problem among the rural community, with residents on both private estates and farms falling victim to the thefts.

In order to help homeowners guard themselves against the problem and protect their home heating oil supplies, Dyfed Powys Police has issued a series of security tips.

This includes fitting a quality oil tank lock, as well as considering the installation of security lighting outside to deter would-be thieves.

Residents are also advised to take smaller and more frequent deliveries of the fuel where possible and keep a regular check on heating oil levels.

This comes after police in Tenby issued a similar warning to local homeowners after thieves made off with around 400 litres of domestic heating oil from the back garden of one property, the Western Telegraph reports.

Click here for a home heating oil quote.