Police across the United Kingdom have issued crime prevention advice as cases of oil theft have increased.
Agriland has compiled and condensed this advice into the following points for farmers, landowners and residents:
- Protect your farm by blocking unused entrances and locking gates. Consider installing CCTV cameras around the premises;
- Protect oil and fuel tanks with locks and keep them visible in well-lit areas;
- Store fuel containers and relevant machinery out of sight;
- Regularly check your fuel levels. Consider installing a remote, electronic, oil-level gauge;
- Speak to your supplier with regards to a more frequent, but smaller delivery to keep your levels low;
- Notify the police of any suspicious vehicles or if you suspect an offence has been committed.
Oil theft
Due to the recent rise in oil prices, oil theft cases have consequently risen.
“We are all very aware of the rising costs of oil at the minute and the financial impact it would have on households if their oil was stolen,” said Police Derry City and Strabane, Northern Ireland, as it warned residents to remain vigilant for thieves and thefts.
Humberside police, northern England have called oil theft a current ‘trend‘ across the country.
“There have been five reported offences across our region since the start of the year,” said PC Kevin Jones of the Humebrside Police Rural Task Force.
“As this could be an emerging issue, we are taking a proactive approach by offering advice and support to our rural communities – many of whom will be vulnerable due to either age or reliance on oil.”
One of the cases mentioned by PC Jones occurred in Foston on the Wolds, East Riding of Yorkshire in February.
“The property now has monitored CCTV and we have worked at putting additional crime prevention measures in place,” added PC Jones.
