Fuel security advice

A REMINDER has been issued by the region’s police about fuel security.

Officers say that rising oil and diesel prices have coincided with a spike in heating oil, farm/forestry fuel and forecourt fuel thefts.

A force spokesperson said: “Thieves tend to target tanks/vehicles in isolated locations, where they can get their own vehicles and siphoning equipment close to the target to remove the fuel. Damaged tanks can also lead to environmental pollution, resulting in additional financial losses.

“It is important to regularly monitor your fuel levels and stay vigilant, especially as we come into the warmer weather and domestic users reduce their oil usage and may not be paying as much attention to this.

“Where possible, farmers and rural homeowners should store tanks in visible, secured locations, and secure farm/forestry vehicles and machinery to prevent opportunistic thefts.”

Community policing teams locally are offering advice or information about keeping fuel secure and will carry out security surveys, if requested.