Top tips for 'deterring' home heating oil thieves

21 April 2008

Home heating oil users may want to heed advice from the Oil Firing Technical Association (Oftec) following the recent increase in heating oil thefts around the country.

The body has suggested that homeowners should use padlocks on their oil tanks and install outdoor lights that come on when there is movement in the garden or drive, Pendle Today reports.

Home heating oil users should also consider moving their oil tank to a visible spot as well as fitting an intruder alarm, Oftec said.

It added that homeowners should be listening out for the sound of an electric pump, reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

Director general of the association Jeremy Hawksley stated that homeowners should also keep tabs on their heating oil levels.

"Usually it is only when people run out of oil that theft becomes apparent, but regularly making a note of your oil levels and taking simple preventative measures will help to make sure you are not the victim," he said.

Oil prices have reached a new record high level of $117.05 (€73.81) a barrel today.

Click here to view home heating oil price trends.