Shropshire farmers and rural households warned over risk of oil theft

The Shropshire Star reports that warnings have been issued in rural Shropshire to protect oil tanks from thieves as evidence suggests that theft of heating oil from rural properties may be on the rise

Heating oil is usually stored in an outdoor tank, making the fuel an attractive target for criminals and there are concerns the cost of living crisis has led to the increase in heating oil theft from rural homes.

In response, OFTEC, a registration body for off gas grid heating, is raising awareness of the precautions that households in Shropshire can take to safeguard their oil tanks from theft.

These include installing an electronic tank alarm system to remotely monitor the fuel in your tank.

The alarm can notify you if the tank’s inspection cap is lifted or the oil level drops suddenly – and sophisticated models can even send an alert to your smart phone or watch.

Other precautions include motion activated security lights are cost-effective and will startle most thieves. For added peace of mind, place lights in areas which are visible from inside your house when triggered.

CCTV cameras are also a good deterrent and can provide valuable evidence if your heating oil is stolen.

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The Shropshire Star - Shropshire farmers and rural households warned over risk of oil theft