Heating oil theft is on the rise
Residents urged to be mindful of reports of heating oil theftsWiltshire Police is urging residents to be mindful of their home security following several reports regarding the theft of heating oil.
At some point between April 8 and April 13, approximately 400 litres of heating oil worth approximately £800 was stolen from a tank in a garden in Market Lavington and again between April 13 and April 25, approximately 600 litres of heating oil was stolen from a tank in a garden in Coate, near Devizes. The oil was worth approximately £1,200.
With the price of fuel increasing, it is possible that we may see an increase in these types of thefts. Domestic oil tanks can contain hundreds of pounds worth of oil so it is really important that residents take as many steps as possible to ensure their tanks are not easy targets.
You are urged to consider investing in good quality locks, security lighting, fencing and CCTV to ensure your tank is well protected. If you notice any suspicious activity around domestic tankers, as well as large suspicious vehicles close to a property, report your concerns to police.
Anyone with information in relation to these incidents should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220037940. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
This criminal activity is not confined to Wiltshire, CLA representatives have heard warnings of a similar nature from forces across the south west. Other targeted products include fertiliser and red diesel, with recent news reports indicating the theft of £8,000 worth of liquid fertiliser from a farm in Dorset.