Campaign launched in bid to reduce heating oil thefts

Published on 11/03/2013 16:05

Residents who use heating oil are urged to be on the look-out for thieves.

It comes after an increase county wide in the number of thefts of heating oil - from 45 between April 2011 and February 2012, to 81 in the same period the following year.

Inspector Neal McKinder, head of Harborough police, said only two incidents had been reported to them within the last 60 days but backed the warnings being issued by the county’s crime reduction officer Mick Kaiser.

Mr Kaiser approached every oil delivery company with customers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to ask them to deliver a crime prevention leaflet with every customer order. They have all agreed to do so.

He said: “I was really pleased with the positive response we had to our idea. Twenty six companies have agreed to deliver an awareness leaflet with the oil which we hope will highlight the easy steps that can be taken to avoid having fuel stolen.

“A typical oil tank holds 1,500 litres of oil and if stolen could cost a thousand pounds to replace. Therefore, I would encourage members of the public who have domestic heating oil deliveries to take on board the advice that is given in the leaflet.”

Police have issued the following advice:

Check the oil level on your tank on a regular basis.

Fit an electronic oil gauge/tank alarm which will alert you if the oil level drops.

Use fencing or shrubs to hide your tank from view.

Consider installing CCTV cameras.

Fit a strong lock to the tank.

If your tank is in an outbuilding keep the building locked.

Install dusk to dawn security lighting.

Turn off switches that control the supply of oil when not in use.

Make a note of the registration number of suspicious vehicles especially tankers or large vehicles close to your property.

Keep an eye on your neighbour’s tank as well.

Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

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Campaign launched in bid to reduce heating oil thefts

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