Police issue warning for householders with oil heating to protect storage supplies from theft

Many rural households off the mains gas network rely on oil for their heating. But with the price of oil skyrocketing in recent months, Dyfed Powys Police are urging people to safeguard their supplies from theft.

The police say there are some simple steps householders can take to prevent being a victim of theft.

8 steps householders can take to safeguard their Oil Heating supplies

Police say that taking these measures will help make life more difficult for would-be-thieves.

• Be aware of your oil levels and check frequently, consider installing a tank alarm, which alert owners of sudden changes in fuel levels
• Where possible keep your levels low and the same when refilling.
• Speak to your supplier with regards to a more frequent but smaller delivery
• If you have a plastic tank, consider erecting fencing around the tank with one end hinged and locked for filling purposes. The fencing should be fixed to solid posts and should be set off the tank aprox 12 inches on all sides. The same should be fixed to the top as well.
• If you have a steel tank, then fit a quality anti-cut close-shackled padlock.
• If you have outside security lighting, then please ensure that the system works and that the light sensors have been adjusted correctly to detect movement.
• Consider installing CCTV to cover where the tank is located.
• Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police