Recent rises in the price of fuel have led to farms, transport depots and domestic properties becoming an attractive proposition for thieves who are actively targeting fuel tanks, Police are warning.
Hampshire Constabulary has this week issued some key words of advice and is reminding those in rural communities to remain vigilant.
There are a number of rural properties across the Isle of Wight that store fuel for a number of reasons, including many towns that rely on heating oil due to a lack of a piped gas network.
Police say there is a multitude of solutions to deter would-be and opportunistic thieves; some of which include CCTV around the area you store the tank or security lighting to control switches that regulate the temperature of the oil and isolate electricity when the tank is not in use.
Likewise, the positioning of the fuel tank is an important aspect to consider. If it is close to a road or path, it might make it an easier target but if it is close by to the house or sat behind a garage or outbuilding, for example, this could prove more difficult for opportunists.
It is not a case of choosing one preventative method over another. Instead, Police are suggesting Islanders think about implementing as many solutions as possible, that work in tandem with each other, as this will give you the best opportunity to ensure that your fuel stocks are as protected as they can be.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary’s Countrywatch team has said:
“As we are well aware, these types of incident can have a significant impact on daily livelihoods across the rural community. If you do spot anything suspicious, please report it to the police by calling 101 or alternatively, submitting a report online via the Hampshire Constabulary website. If it is an emergency, or a crime is in progress, dial 999 immediately”.
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For further crime prevention information in relation to fuel theft, visit the Secured by Design website at https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/fuel-theft.
Is it legal to wire up the tank to an electric fence or not on me farm?
Why ask ? Just do it.
Us poor people,don’t have this problem, As nobody wants to steal a Gas Key Card.
Definitely and triple the voltage of course 🙂
If the crime is in progress dial 999 and the police will respond in 5 hours. Unless it’s a minor car crash and they will send 5 police cars straight away
Be ready with a baseball bat and see them on their way.
Yes but fuel has always been a target,whether its barrel fulls or just few gallons.
the elite detectives based in newport will surely deter all crime ?