Home heating oil thefts on the up

8 April 2008

There has been a surge in the number of home heating oil crimes in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Police are warning homeowners that they must remain vigilant as more thefts of the commodity have been reported, the Lisburn Times reports.

According to the police in the area, many homeowners do not realise they have been targeted by criminals until some time after the event.

"Usually it is only when people run out of oil that the theft becomes apparent and that is why we are now asking residents to check the level of the oil more frequently," a spokesperson told the news source.

Home heating oil users should question the arrival of workmen at a neighbour's house and listen for the sound of an electric generator, the police advised.

Yesterday's reports that oil prices are increasing could mean the spate of home heating oil thefts continues.

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