Heating oil thefts

 Warning over heating oil thefts

Suffolk police have issued guidance to residents with heating oil following current price rises.

Thieves have targeted two properties in the Woodbridge area but officers are keen to give preventative advice to residents across Suffolk and stress there are steps people can take to keep their oil tanks safe:

• Screen your tank so it is not easy to see from the road (please check the current regulations before undertaking any work  oftec.org/consumers/off-grid-guides/your-home-guide-to-liquid-fuel-heating/)
• Use CCTV with motion detection alert to warn you of any activity around your property and especially your fuel tank
• Use a fuel alarm to alert you of theft www.e-bound.co.uk    
• Use a robust closed shackle padlock to secure your tank www.soldsecure.com
• A secure storage compound around your tank will add extra protection.  www.securedbydesign.com  provides details of police preferred specification perimeter treatments
• Report all suspicious activity immediately and be especially vigilant when a delivery has recently occurred. 

Residents affected should report all suspicious activity immediately and be especially vigilant when a delivery has recently occurred. 

• If the crime is under way call 999- if you are unsure we would rather hear about it and decide if a theft is occurring.
• If it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number plate of their car (for your own safety do not approach suspects).
• if the crime has already happened then you can report it to us via www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us or by calling 101.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson said: “Communities should remain vigilant about their own security and also be wary about rogue traders selling oil at a discounted price. This oil might contain other contaminants that could damage heating systems, leaving householders with significant repair costs."