Thefts of heating oil from rural homes across the UK have soared by 51 per cent in just six years, according to a new report yesterday.
For the latest countrywide research shows that more than £4 million worth of heating oil was stolen in 2016 alone.
Now as temperatures plummet, rural households are being warned to be vigilant in the wake of the rocketing increase in thefts.
For the latest countrywide research shows that more than £4 million worth of heating oil was stolen in 2016 alone
The independent findings, commissioned by heating oil supplier BoilerJuice, reveal that the average victim of theft will lose oil worth £280 and this can lead to fuel poverty.
According to Police data, those living in certain postcodes are at a greater risk. Based on the analysis of the reported crime between 2014-2017, those in Hereford, Cardiff and Swansea are living in ‘oil theft hotspots.’
Closely followed by Cornwall, Norfolk and Suffollk. With one in every three thefts taking place in the winter months now is the time to be on your guard, says the report.
It is also believed that the increase in the price of oil from 25p per litre (in January 2016) to 42p per litre (in November 2017) plus the isolated nature of many of the homes has made heating oil an easy target for thieves.
Now as temperatures plummet, rural households are being warned to be vigilant in the wake of the rocketing increase in thefts
Around 1.6 million UK households are not connected to mains gas and rely on domestic heating oil such as Kerosene28 to heat their homes. Domestic tanks, which typically cost up to £1,000 to fill up, are based outside the home, making it easier to steal, with thieves selling it on and using it for diesel cars.
The report says that there are however simple measures to reduce the likelihood of oil-theft, including using plants and fences to hide exposed tanks.. Locks and alarm systems that are set off by an intruder are also recommended.
Lee Cowles, managing director of BoilerJuice said: “When the cost of heating oil spikes you usually see this followed by an increase in theft.. Domestic oil tanks can contain hundreds of pounds worth of oil and the cost of damage to tanks and potential spills caused by theft can also cost up to tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the severity, so it makes good sense to take a few precautions to protect it. We’d encourage residents to fit padlocks on their tanks and think about installing alarms to deter opportunistic thieves.”
All 45 police forces in the UK were asked about the following: how many thefts of ‘heating oil’ were recorded in the following years: 2014, 2015, 2016 and so far in 2017? How many thefts of ‘heating oil’ were recorded by postcode in 2016? How many thefts of heating oil were recorded by month in 2016? Of these 38 Police Forces responded with data (84%).
In addition, consumer research was conducted among 1,000 heating oil households between 6 July and 17 July 2017, by PCP research limited. The sample included a 30% sample in Northern Ireland, 60% in England & Wales and 10% sample in Scotland.
Top 5 Tips for Preventing Heating Oil Theft:
1. Ensure you have a tank lock;
2.Keep your tank well hidden;
3 Install Sensor Lights;
4 Make use of your fuel alarm;
5 Sign up to oil theft alerts.