Home heating oil targeted by thieves

11 March 2008

The city of Lisburn in county Antrim has suffered a spate of home heating oil thefts, it has emerged.

As reported by the Ulster Star, criminals may have used vans or lorries to help them drain homeowners' oil tanks, police have suggested.

It is thought that as oil prices are spiralling out of control - yesterday peaking at $107 (€69.50) a barrel - this lawless gang has taken matters into their own hands.

The local police have urged home heating oil users to remain vigilant, and to use padlocks to guard against opportunist criminals.

"Look out for suspicious vehicles and listen out for the sound of an electric pump or generator coming from a vehicle," Crime Prevention Officer Constable Willie Johnston warned homeowners.

This is not the first time oil thieves have struck in Northern Ireland, with the Belfast telegraph reporting on a number of similar crimes last month.

Click here for more information reducing the cost of home heating oil.