Suffolk Police are issuing advice to help keep heating oil safe and secure, following a series of thefts across the west of the county. Between 1^st January and 8^th April 2008 there have been 55 reports of oil being stolen from tanks at mostly domestic properties, compared with just 16 for the whole of 2007.

Crime Reduction Officer Bernard Plume says, ”It’s a national trend, No one area of West Suffolk has been affected more than another, and various amounts of oil have been taken in each case, ranging from around 300 litres to as much as 4,000 litres. With oil prices high, heating oil tanks are a lucrative target for thieves and these thefts are hitting householders hard in the pocket. For these reasons it is crucial that people who use heating oil in their homes take various steps to protect their property and that of their neighbours.”

Simple advice is being issued to help keep your oil tank safe.

· Screen your tank with fencing or hedges

· Close and secure any gates leading to the tank

· Conceal or cover any external pipes and fuel lines.

· Install dusk to dawn security lighting

· Install lockable caps supported by a closed shackle padlock.

· Regularly check your fuel levels, sensors which monitor levels from inside the home are available

· Consider installing a tank alarm

· Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

It should be noted that some oil storage containers are plastic and some are metal – so any security measures which directly affect the tank or pipe work should always be installed in consultation with the tank supplier.

These measures are being highlighted to rural communities where heating oil is used through specially designed literature, Neighbourhood Watch, Police Direct and other community partners.

Mr Plume continues, “It is vital that communities act as eyes and ears, letting the police know if they see anything suspicious. Large quantities of oil are often stolen, so the thieves will need sizeable containers to collect the oil in, and a van or a larger vehicle to take it away. They may also knock on doors seeking to sell on the oil.

“If you see any suspicious persons or vehicles in your road or a neighbour’s driveway, contact police immediately by dialing 999. Other information can also be left on our confidential hotline 01284 774029.

“We need people to be vigilant – sometimes when reports come in to us, the oil could have been taken at any time over the preceding weeks or even months. We would urge householders to regularly check the level in their tanks.”

Further information on oil tank security can be found on this website or by calling your local Crime Reduction Officer on 01473 613500. Further useful advice for heating oil users can be found at www.boilerjuice.com/blog.php .