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Fuel Thefts
Whilst reported instances of fuel thefts are rising, they are still very much the exception as opposed the rule. For thieves, oil is difficult to handle, difficult to store and difficult to sell on. However, there is evidence to suggest that thieves are watching fuel depots, following wagons to see where the fuel is delivered, then helping themselves to the content.
Northern Energy wants to offer all our customers the assurance that our drivers have been briefed to be vigilant both when on the road and when making deliveries to customers’ tanks and to report any suspicious vehicles to the police.
Attempts to make tanks secure using specialist locking caps or padlocks can act as a deterrent to opportunist thieves but can make matters worse, as determined thieves have been known to smash valves, drill holes into the tank and even sever the fuel line, which can lead to oil spills, pollution and the need for a costly new tank.
Precautions that can be taken:
- Make sure your oil tank is not visible from the road - fences, trellising, trees or hedging can be used to disguise the tank – although remember your delivery driver will need to gain access to your tank.
- Security lighting offers good protection at night
- Consider installing a CCTV system – placing a visible camera on your property may act as a deterrent
- If you have a drive with gates, keeping them closed and locked may also act as a deterrent
- Secure your tank with good quality close shackle padlocks as these offer the most protection from the thieves favourite tool – the bolt cropper.
- Remote electronic oil level gauges are now available which will emit an audible alarm to a unit plugged inside the house should the level of fuel drop suddenly. However, should you be out at the time of the theft, the alarm would be of little use.
- Consider changing to a bunded tank (if you do not already have one). This is a tank within a tank and is much harder to gain access to, although it is still possible for the fuel line from the tank to be severed and the fuel drained out
And
- • Check your home insurance policy – one in ten insurers do not cover domestic fuel theft!