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National NHW Newsletters
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December 2018

However, one burning issue in the villages was the theft of heating oil. There was not a wave of thefts, but enough to provide the following advice from Thames Valley Police.

Top tips on prevention of Heating Oil Theft

Theft of heating oil often increases whenever the price of crude oil rises. A rise in the price of fuel at the petrol pump inevitably leads to a rise in the cost of heating oil. This makes oil a more attractive proposition for the thief and even at the currently low prices they are looking to farms, churches, schools, transport depots and domestic properties where fuel tanks may be held. The thief may be using the oil for their own central heating or selling it on at a handsome profit. These tanks can contain many thousands of pounds worth of oil and it therefore makes a good sense to take a few precautions to protect them.

The position of the tank can have a significant effect on whether or not it will be attractive to thieves. If the tank is close to the property, with one or more windows capable of giving a view of it, then the thief may consider the chances of being seen too high. If the tank is close to a road, path, drive or alleyway then it will be a far easier target. Hiding the tank behind the garage, shed or some other type of outbuilding which is then secured will add barriers that will slow down and potentially put off a criminal.

Control switches that control the flow of oil should be turned off and the electricity supply isolated when the tank is not in use.

Padlocks
A thief will usually come equipped with a limited range of tools to attack your tank so it’s worth spending a little more on good quality locks. Close shackle padlocks are the best as they offer most resistance to the bolt cropper. Try to make sure that the lock is to British standard to ensure the lock is of a good standard.

Oil Level Gauges
Remote electronic oil levels gauges are now available which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full. These gauges should be placed in areas where they will notify someone to react to the alarm. There are few different versions on the market at the moment and seem to cost between £70 and £100. Get into the habit of regularly checking oil levels so that you will know if you have lost any.

Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a much harder target for the thief. It’s not necessary to floodlight the area with high power beams, as a more subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy ‘dusk till dawn’ lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity, and perhaps even one which is motion sensor activated.

Defensive Planting is nature’s way of helping to reduce crime. Thieves will not wish to force their way through or over a prickly hedge. The smallest trace of blood or shred of ripped clothing could help the police identify the offender. These shrubs can, if planted around your tank, provide an effective and decorative thief proof barrier. If you would like more information about defensive plants to protect your property contact your local neighbourhood team on: 101

Securing Your Oil Tank
Following on from the defensive plant tactic, fences and walls can also make life difficult for the thief. A wooden or metal fence, trellis or wall can give significant protection to the tank, but it must be remembered that the oil tanker driver will need access to fill the tank. A metal or grill cage with a lockable access point across the top of this wall or fence can further improve security. The wall or fence should be as close to the tank and as high as possible. Of course a trellis could also be decorated with defensive planting. A product called ‘Tank Guard’ surrounds the existing storage tank with a metal enclosure. This sheet of metal enclosure has lockable access doors to allow filling maintenance and has internal anchorage points to fix it to the concrete base. A tank guard cost less than one tank full of oil and will last many years.

CCTV
The use of CCTV as crime prevention and a crime detection tool can have its uses and could play a part in the protection of oil tanks, but before you spend lots of money on equipment make an assessment of your needs and get further advice from a Crime Prevention Advisor or CCTV expert. OFTEC or the ‘Oil Firing Technical Association for the petroleum industry’ offers advice and guidance for those who use and store oil at their premises. There are certain rules and regulations that may apply to you and OFTEC will help clarify these for you.

They can be reached at www.oftec.org or by calling 0845 6585 080. They also produce an ‘easy guide to domestic oil storage’