| There can be an increase in theft of heating or diesel oil at this time of year due to the price of crude oil. This can cause an increase of fuel thefts. Remember to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity including registration numbers of suspicious vehicles to the Police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.
Please take a few mintues to read the following precautions to help protect your fuel.
Location of your tank:
When sighting a fuel tank, please locate out of the sight of the main road and in view of your house. Ensure that the tank is within a reasonable distance to the road, otherwise the fuel company may struggle to refill it.
Securing your oil tank:
Secure your tank with a wooden or metal fence, trellis or wall or for further security a lockable metal grill or cage can be added. The wall or fence should be as close to the tank and as high as possible. Consideration can also be given for chemically “tagging” the fuel.
Control Switches:
When the tank is not in use, the control switches that control the flow of fuel should be switched off and the electricity supply isolated.
Padlocks:
Invest in a good quality padlock, the closed shackle variety are the best as they have a very little of the small shackle exposed and therefore bolt croppers cannot get a good grip.
Oil Level Gauges:
Remote electronic oil guages set off an audible alarm when the oil level suddenly drops or falls between a quarter of a tank. These guages can be placed in the kitchen or utitlity to warn of a potential problem. Remember to check oil levels regularly, this will help to monitor usage and check none has gone missing.
Security Lights:
Consider installing security lights, low energy ‘dusk til’ dawn’ lights positioned close to the tank should in most cases provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity. High powered lights can also be used but make sure they are not a nuisance to neighbours or road users.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV):
You could consider installing CCTV. For advice on this please contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on 101
Useful Contact Details:
The Oil Firing Technical Association for the petroleum industry (OFTEC) offers advice and guidance for those who use and store oil at their premises. For more information go to www.oftec.org
If you would like any more information or advice please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or the Community Safety Unit on the Police Non Emergency Number 101 |
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