This is an alert for all home owners in the parish who have domestic oil tanks located within the boundaries of their properties. Rising fuel prices seems to have triggered a spate of thefts from tanks locally. The police are aware but it would be prudent to consider some extra steps to minimise the risk of more thefts occurring.

TIPS TO HELP PREVENT FUEL THEFT

Theft of kerosene used for domestic heating has been happening for many years & it is very difficult to predict whether you will be the victim of this type of fuel theft. However with the cost of fuel rising it is likely that there will be a similar rise in this type of crime. Listed below are a few ideas that may be worth considering if you have not already done so to help reduce the risk of your tank being the next target for fuel thieves.These tanks can hold hundreds even thousands of pounds worth of fuel in them so it may be prudent to adopt some additional security precautions.

Ideas to help improve your tank security :

1) Stay Informed

Keep a track of local news for any information about the oil thefts in your area.

2) Keep It Out Of Sight

Placing the tank in the area where is it more secure or less visible to the public can help prevent opportunists. Many thieves will be discouraged if the tank is easily overlooked from your home. Consider planting prickly shrubs near by to help limit access to tank.

3) Secure Access

Ensure that all access to your garden or location where the tank is located is as secure as possible.

4) CCTV

The CCTV systems are an appropriate way of letting thieves know that you are taking measure to protect your tank.

5) Security Lights

A movement sensing security light is a great way of detecting any late-night visitors.

6) Monitor Your Tank

Being aware of how much oil is currently in the tank and how much oil you tend to use would be great to identify if there are any sudden drop in level. Smart Tank Meters can come with built in sound alarms to help detect & deter potential thefts.

7) Fuel Management Systems

There are plenty of fuel management systems on the market, from systems with registration scans, finger print recognition and wireless data transfers, to basic protection such as a key or pin code to unlock pumps. All systems have their own merits ultimately it is down to what is appropriate for the individual or business.

8) Neighbourhood Watch

Joining a community watch scheme have been proven to be effective at deterring criminals. If you are a part of it make sure you promote it by displaying sign and ask to watch your tank when you might be going for holiday.

9) Other Protective Measures

There are a range of protective equipment which can be installed to your tank like security cage, protective casing or even simple but effective shackle padlock which can’t be easily broken with bolt croppers. Padlocks that are difficult to cut with bolt croppers & stickers informing potential thieves that the tank is locked can act as deterrents.However there have been cases where thieves have punctured a tank to take the fuel so consideration of the cost of replacing a tank should be assessed.

10) Insurance

The cost to replace fuel is one thing but damage to your tank could push costs of instances of theft in the area. Because oil tank is a valuable item you should contact your home insurance provider to check if they cover it.