Resident tells of home heating oil theft misery

14 April 2008

As a home heating oil user, Sonia McKay of Carricklynn Avenue, Strabane, has become one of many recent victims of home heating oil theft.

Ms McKay believes she has been targeted by thieves twice since moving to the house on the outskirts of the town, the Derry Journal reports.

She is now urging other residents to remain vigilant and to secure their oil tanks with a padlock.

"I bought oil about six weeks before I moved into my house and I had it on quite a lot in order to heat the house before my move, but I was still shocked to find that it was gone after just one month," she said.

She added that she then purchased another £200 of home heating oil, only for it to disappear within a week.

Police in the area have advised residents to listen for the sound of an electric pump or generator, as well as questioning the presence of a van or tanker lorry near to their home.

Last week, oil prices hit a new record high of $112.21 (€71.12) a barrel.

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