Following a number of thefts of heating oil and kerosene from rural properties in
the north Highlands, police are are advising people to take appropriate security
measures to secure their fuel tanks and supplies.
Operating in secluded areas where oil tanks can be easily approached in darkness
or under the cover of trees can make the those within the rural communities especially
susceptible to this type of theft.
Police Scotland are advising members of the public to take the following precautions
to avoid becoming victims of such a crime:
- Check the level of fuel in your tank regularly so you are sure none has gone missing
and you always know how much fuel you have.
- Most tanks can be locked at the inspection cover. Make sure your filler cap is
lockable. There are lockable filler caps available that can be retro fitted to oil
tanks.
- Fit a gate valve security shroud - this prevents the gate valve on the supply pipe
to the house from being used to empty the tank.
- Install security lights that come on when there is movement in the garden.
- Consider having a simple alarm system fitted. An inexpensive infra-red model will
alert you if there is an intruder on your property and deter a thief.
- Be vigilant. If there is a tanker lorry or a suspicious vehicle in the area spend
a few moments thinking about what they are doing. Listen for the sound of an electric
pump coming from the vehicle as this is how thieves siphon fuel from the tank.
- If your tank is in a remote area, consider having it moved to a more visible spot.
Do not try to conceal it with a fence or panels. This could be illegal and cause
a fire hazard.
- Consider installing security gates at your property. This will make it harder for
thieves to gain access and protect the area where your oil tank is kept.
Be aware of oil thefts say police
1 February 2015