Oil Tank Alarms

Thieves stole several large barrels of oil and bags of coal from a shop in Ballymena last week, according to a report.

A number of 20-litre drums of oil went missing from the shop in Main Street, Cullybackey last Friday, says the Ballymena Times.

Staff only discovered the theft when starting work on Monday morning.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area to contact them.

The fuel thefts come as rising energy prices hit the British public despite the fluctuations in the crude oil market.

Oil prices fell below $88 (£50.19) on Monday to record an eight-month low, meaning crude oil has now dropped 40 per cent since its peak of $147.27 a barrel in July.

The theft in Ballymena comes just a day after police in Norwich warned heating oil users to be vigilant over their tanks for the second time in as many weeks, after a

Oil Alarms

http://www.boilerjuice.com/news/906/Oil+stolen+in+Ballymena.html

Police in Florence responded to the Harmony Street Home of 85-year-old Ernestine Wright this morning, after someone stole 100 pounds of heating oil from her tank.

The community is coming together to help her buy heat to stay warm tonight.

Police tell us this is the third time this has happened in the past three weeks, costing her more than a thousand dollars.

Florence City Councilman Ed Robinson supplied her with enough heating oil to keep her warm through the weekend.

The Pee Dee Community Action Agency is trying to help her buy more oil for next week because she’s on a fixed income.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft, and Sheriff Kenney Boone has committed to his deputies doing more patrols in her community.

http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=409343

Between the 21st December and 1st January, thieves stole 700 litres of domestic heating oil from the storage tank of a dwelling in Pill Road, Hook, leaving the young family without heating during the subsequent cold weather.

The police are appealing for information regarding this offence and wish to remind the public of the importance of maintaining the security of domestic heating oil stores.

Anyone with information can call police on 0845 330 2000.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

http://www.themissinglist.co.uk/police-appeal/700-litres-of-domestic-heating-oil-stolen-from-storage-tank-pill-road-hook

POLICE in Ballycastle are investigating the theft of £150’s worth of heating oil stolen from a house at Meadow Court, Bushmills, on January 5.
Anyone who can assist should contact 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.

Quintero responded to a report of a home heating oil theft in Cushing. Investigation revealed it was a civil issue and the complainant was directed to contact the court.

The RCMP are investigating the theft of a large quantity of home heating oil at a residence in Canso. Police say they estimate at least 500 liters of oil was stolen from a residential tank over the holidays. The owners of a residence in Canso had 900-dollars worth of oil delivered to their home over a three week period. Police say the home’s high efficiency furnace isn’t even capable of burning that much oil in such a short period of time. The theft comes after police reported a high number of thefts from residential oil tanks in North Eastern Nova Scotia last winter. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or the Guysborough detachment of the RCMP.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an alert to citizens to be extra observant of activity near heating oil tanks after officers responded to calls in which heating oil was stolen from businesses and homes.
Detectives believe the suspects are driving their vehicles – probably large trucks or flatbeds- directly to the tanks and siphoning several gallons of oil - just enough to minimize immediate detection - before moving on to another tank. It appears the suspects put the oil in large barrels or drums and later sell the oil at a discount rate or use it for personal use.
On January 8, officers were advised of multiple thefts of oil from businesses in the Pinefield North Shopping Center located at 12562 Mattawoman Drive in Waldorf. It was later determined, based on fuel analysis, the thefts occurred between December 3 - December 17, 2009. Oil was also stolen from two area churches. Typically, the thefts
are not noticed right away because the suspects are stealing just a few gallons from each tank.
On January 11, Charles County Sheriff’s officers stopped the driver of a flatbed truck after noting the truck matched the description of a vehicle that was used to steal an oil tank from a home in a neighboring county. Upon inspecting the bed of the truck, officers discovered an entire oil tank. The driver and occupant were detained and charges are pending. Detectives are trying to determine if the two men could be responsible for the local thefts as well.
Although locking mechanisms on the caps of the oil tanks may deter a thief, it is difficult to prevent the tanks from being stolen. Consider screening your tank with fencing or hedges; concealing external pipe work; and installing security lighting. The Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens to call the Sheriff’s Office immediately to report an unusual activity near oil tanks.
Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in Charles County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about a crime may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or Text CHARLES + your tip to CRIMES or visit WWW.CCSO.US to submit a web tip. All callers remain anonymous.

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POLICE are warning residents in rural parts of North Flintshire to be on their guard- after eight incidents of heating oil theft in the past three weeks.

North Flintshire district inspector David Roome said: “We saw a rise in heating oil thefts about 18 months ago and they have started to come back as the price of oil has risen again.

“There have been sporadic heating oil thefts in rural areas and we want the public to be aware of this.”

The police will be giving advice to people at risk and hope to supply special alarms to vulnerable residents.

“There are things people can do to protect themselves, such as growing spiky plants around their oil tanks or covering them,” Insp Roome said.

“We would urge the public to report any suspicious behaviour .

“The people carrying out these thefts will probably be in large vehicles to carry the equipment needed.”

Anyone with information about heating oil thefts should contact North Wales Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

UNIONTOWN, Pa. — It’s a cold-hearted crime that’s got humane officers in Fayette County hot under the collar.

Investigators are searching for the individuals who stole 275 gallons of heating oil from the Fayette County Humane Society shelter over the weekend.

“I’m so frustrated. I don’t why people do this to innocent animals,” says humane officer Theresa Linden.

The suspects gained entry some time over the holiday weekend by breaking a lock to a small door that leads to the heating tank in the basement.

The culprits siphoned about $500 worth of oil, which was supposed to last at least through March.

“We have to keep it at 65 to pass inspection,” says Linden who had to move about 30 cats and dogs to the rear of the building from another room that registered just 50 degrees.

The shelter is funded primarily through donations.

Linden tells Channel 11 News, “Half the animals have no heat right now. I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

On Wednesday, White’s Tavern in Uniontown donated 100 gallons of oil to the shelter.

Animals had to be moved to stay warm.

Police have no suspects.

POLICE in Ballycastle are investigating the theft of £150’s worth of heating oil stolen from a house at Meadow Court, Bushmills, on January 5.
Anyone who can assist should contact 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.

Over 100 church-goers braved freezing temperatures at their Christmas Day carol service after heating oil was stolen.

Moneydig Presbyterian Church, near Garvagh, was left without fuel after the culprits struck on Christmas Eve.

They took a “substantial quantity” of fuel from the secluded rural church, which is about four miles from the Co Londonderry town.

The theft was discovered on Christmas morning but despite temperatures in the region dropping to minus five degrees celsius, more than 100 people sat through the annual sermon.

Patricia McQuillan — wife of DUP MLA Adrian — said the congregation consisted of all ages, from babies to those in their 80s.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/oil-theft-leaves-churchgoers-in-a-festive-freeze-14613903.html#ixzz0ccPHJkU7

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Homeowners who heat their properties with oil are being warned to check their insurance policies and security measures as thefts of heating oil are reportedly on the rise say the Abbey National.

The Abbey National has found that about one out of ten home insurance policies do not have cover for heating oil included, which could prove financially disastrous should there be a theft. The price of heating oil has increased by over a hundred percent since last year, making it a valuable commodity.

The police have confirmed the Abbey National findings, stating that domestic dwellings are often targeted because they are easier to access than industrial sites.

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Major rise in home fuel thefts
Police forces across the UK have told Newsbeat there’s been a huge rise in thieves stealing heating oil from people’s homes. Farmers say there’s also been a big increase in the theft of diesel. On Sunday, a woman died during a raid on her farm in County Durham after spotting a man taking fuel.

Madeleine Harding checks her home oil supply near Chichester and finds £200 worth has been stolen

Around one and a half million people in the UK use heating fuel.

They generally live in the countryside and have no access to a gas main.

With prices doubling to as much as 60p a litre, it’s making it more attractive to thieves.

The first someone will know their oil has been stolen is when they wake up in the morning to a cold house.

It’s the same as most things at the end of the day, if they do want to get the fuel they will get the fuel

Mark Nolan, owner of Nolan Oils in Oxfordshire

Madeleine Harding lives with her six-year-old son, Maxwell, in a semi-rural cottage in Westhampnett, Chichester.

Her gate was tampered with during the night and thieves managed to steal £200 of oil from her back garden.

Even the family dog didn’t hear it going on.

“I’m still paying for the last lot of oil I had which should have tided me over till Christmas next year.

“So in effect, if I buy some more, which I’m going to have to at some point, I will be paying double.”

Mark Nolan owns Nolan Oils in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

A leading insurance firm says theft of ‘red’ diesel is up 20% this year
It’s a family business which operates five tankers and makes around 50 deliveries a day.

Mark Nolan is becoming increasingly worried about thieves.

He said: “The driver is on the look out all the time for people that might be following us.

“We’ve had instances where a vehicle tracked us for about two hours.

“We reported it to the local police but unfortunately by the time the police had got there the vehicle had driven away.

“Luckily we got some number plates but they were false plates of course.”

Stolen to order

Five police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have told Newsbeat that they’ve seen a rise in oil theft with officers checking suspicious looking vans at night.

The insurer NFU Mutual says claims for diesel theft has gone up by 10% this year.

Mark Nolan says homeowners should increase security in gardens

It seems some thieves drive unmarked tankers on to drives or gardens while some are more discreet using a silent electric pump to fill up containers.

The oil or diesel is then sold on for people to use in cars or to heat their houses.

It’s not just happening in Oxfordshire but across the UK.

Mark Nolan says you can slow thieves down though by installing security.

He advised: “Make sure your garden is secure. Make sure that gates are locked.

“You can also buy locking fuel caps which makes it more difficult.

“But, it’s the same as most things at the end of the day, if they do want to get the fuel they will get the fuel.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/the_p_word/newsid_7470000/7470929.stm

Thief ruins car after filling tank with stolen heating oil

A thief wrecked his car engine after he stole heating oil from a garage tank thinking it was red diesel.
The crime was uncovered after a garage owner in Longridge, near Preston, noticed fuel was going missing from a tank and checked CCTV footage.

On two occasions he saw a neighbour carrying two 25 litre cans.

Blackburn magistrates heard that a weADVERTISEMENTek later a police officer in Neville Street, Longridge, caught Christopher Eddlestone leaving his house with the same containers at 5.30am.

Roger Pickles, defending, told the magistrates there had already been some “poetic justice” in the case.

He said: “Ironically, it turned out not to be red diesel but heating oil and the consequences of him putting it in his car is that it has wrecked the engine.”

Eddlestone, 50, of Neville Street, pleaded guilty to two charges of theft and one of going equipped for theft.

He was given a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay £77 compensation and £70 costs.

Emma Keogh, prosecuting, said Glynn Stirling, the proprietor of Greenwood Car Sales on Neville Street, was alerted to fuel going missing by a member of staff.

When he checked CCTV he saw Eddlestone on the street in the early hours of the morning on two occasions.

Both times he helped himself to fuel and then went home.

Mr Pickles said Eddlestone worked in London and stole the fuel to get to work.

He said: “He knows he has been incredibly stupid.”

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Dyfed-Powys Police say there is an increase in heating oil theft from domestic and farmyard tanks.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7423834.stm

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Concern has been expressed over a spate of oil thefts from commercial companies in Worcestershire.
Last week, a company in Worcester was left with a major clean-up operation after the theft from its premises.

The Environment Agency said a separate incident in Stourport-on-Severn could have caused serious pollution.

The agency says new regulations over storing oil at commercial premises will make it harder for thieves to get hold of fuel.

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations, which comes into force in September, will require companies to make their oil storage more secure and also provide a higher level of pollution protection.

Michael Morris, from the Environment Agency, said the thefts in Worcestershire had caused large spillages of oil.

“In one of these incidents oil entered drains.

“The company involved had to spend a considerable amount of money using specialist contractors to clean out the drains to prevent the oil getting washed into the nearby River Severn.”

West Mercia Police have also issued a warning to businesses to tighten security to prevent environmental damage.

A police spokesperson said: “Fuel thieves are not and never will be concerned with the actual, or potential, environmental damage involved in their crimes.

“We would, therefore, urge all individuals and organisations who store diesel oil, whether at domestic or business premises, to re-examine their individual levels of security and act accordingly now and not wait until the new regulations come into force in September.”

Isle of Man

Crackdown on domestic oil thefts - Oil Tank Alarm
Police on the Isle of Man are cracking down on the growing problem of domestic oil theft.
Officers believe commercial vehicles are being used to transport the oil by organised and

determined criminals.

Police have said thefts have been increasing over the last two months, especially in the

Ballasalla and Port Erin areas and usually overnight.

Any vehicles which could be used to transport stolen oil are to be stopped and searched by

police.

Up to 700 litres of oil are being taken at a time, according to detectives.

Householders are being urged to make life difficult for the thieves by locking tanks and

checking oil levels on a regular basis.

Police in rural areas are warning of a big increase in heating oil thefts from domestic storage tanks.

Officers say with the rise in energy costs thieves are targeting homes “on an almost industrial scale”.

Last year, 17 such thefts were reported in the Dyfed-Powys area but the force has already had 59 incidents this year.

Dilys Jones, 82, from Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, was one of those affected and had nearly £400 worth of fuel stolen from her tank.

Police said they were used to tackling diesel thefts from farms and rural businesses but the rise in heating oil theft from domestic residences on such a scale was new.

Mrs Jones said: “It has cost me £329 which I’ve got to pay extra.

I have cried over it because I was left thinking how am I going to live

Dilys Jones

“I’m 82-years-old, I’m diabetic, disabled, it’s very upsetting.

“I know of two others in the area.

“I just have not got the money to pay for it.

“I have cried over it because I was left thinking how am I going to live?”

Brian Walters of the Farmers’ Union of Wales said: “We’ve had reports to us that there have been losses [of diesel and domestic heating oil] in the last few weeks.

“It’s a worrying trend because the price of diesel and oil has gone up so much in the last few months.”

Pembrokeshire crime prevention officer Max Bevan said: “Officers are carrying increased stop checks of vans moving about at night and we have found people who are stealing on an almost industrial scale.

“But we would urge the public if you see anything suspicious ring it in there and then.”

4 May 08

Police in Thurso are appealing for witnesses or information in relation to a theft of heating oil from an address at Reay, Caithness over the weekend of

Thursday 24th to Monday 28th April 2008.

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Philip Breek from online oil tank supplier TankDepot.co.uk provides practical and simple advice on how to secure your heating oil tank, in response to media reports of an increase in fuel thefts in some parts of the UK.

Little Eaton, United Kingdom, June 03, 2008 –(PR.com)– Oil tank security is an issue that has never been higher on the agenda. Philip Breek from online oil tank specialist TankDepot, provides practical advice for householders on how to secure their oil tank.

A Derwent Group business, TankDepot benefits from over three decades experience in the supply and installation of oil and liquid storage tanks. In fact, the company has been around long enough to remember the last energy crisis in the 1970s and is ideally placed to offer consumers sensible advice on the issue of oil tank security.

“Firstly, would you leave £1,500 in public view?”, asks Philip. “Of course, you wouldn’t. Yet a typical 2,500 litre domestic oil tank can contain up to £1,500 worth of oil. Recognising the value of fuel inside a tank is the first step to securing it.

“Oil tanks need to be accessible, so they can be easily filled. But that doesn’t mean they should be positioned in full public view. Instead, position your oil tank somewhere convenient, yet concealed from nearby pavements and roadways.

“Secondly, fences, trees and plants positioned a short distance from your oil tank can be useful in shielding it from prying eyes. But avoid, positioning trellises or plants too close to an oil tank – there are legally enforceable separation distances between oil tanks and adjacent structures to minimise fire risks. Your local Building Control Officer can provide more advice in this regard.

“Thirdly, your choice of tank is important. There are 2 types of oil tanks - bunded and single skin. Old fashioned single skin oil tanks can be fitted with as many locks as you wish. But whilst they may provide reassurance your tank is secure, the reality is they will deter only the most opportunist of thieves.

“By contrast, a bunded oil tank consists of a tank within a tank. Whilst bunded oil tanks are primarily designed to act as a failsafe in the event of a spill, they are also much more difficult to gain access to, than single skin oil tanks. Usefully every bunded oil tank supplied by TankDepot comes with a lockable manhole lid as standard. And even the largest bunded oil tank today costs considerably less than the fuel stored inside it.

“Fourthly, remember that locks fitted to your tank are only part of the solution. Put yourself in the position of a thief… how difficult would it be to gain access to your oil tank? That’s why it’s important to make sure that any gates on your property are locked and just as importantly, stay locked when not in use.

“Fifthly, most thieves prefer to shun the limelight rather than bask in it. Modern CCTV systems are not just affordable and easy to use. But being wireless, they are also simple to install. Best of all, they can now be easily bought for under £100.

“Sixthly, whilst we’re trying to shed some light on how to secure your oil tank… it’s also worth shedding some light directly on to your tank too! Motion activated security lighting is practical, affordable and easy to install. Just remember to make sure you adjust the position of the sensor, so it activates when someone approaches the tank.

“And finally, remember to monitor how much oil you actually use. There have been cases of householders looking stupid after it transpires their oil hasn’t been stolen at all. Instead, they’ve simply lost track of how much they’ve used and unexpectedly ran out. Remote, electronic oil tank contents gauges can help to make running out of oil a thing of the past… and can help avoid embarrassing conversations with your home insurance provider, not to mention the local Bill.”, says Philip.

It’s important to remember that whilst reported instances of fuel thefts are rising, they still remain the exception. As the price of heating oil rises, then victims of heating oil theft are more likely to report the crime which in itself explains part of the reason for the rise.

The fact remains that it’s most unlikely that you will ever have your heating oil stolen. As Philip notes, “For thieves, oil is difficult to handle, difficult to store and difficult to sell on. The market for suspiciously cheap heating oil from dubious sources is at best rather limited. For the average criminal in fact, there are easier ways to make money than stealing your fuel.”

However, by reviewing your oil tank installation and taking a few sensible precautions, you can make the criminal’s life harder still.

From Northern Constabulary
7 December 08
The Caithness & Sutherland Farm Watch Scheme
NFU Scotland and the Northern Constabulary have worked together to launch a new initiative “The Caithness & Sutherland Farm Watch Scheme”, and details of this scheme have already been circulated to NFU Scotland members in the area. If you have not received any information, or you are not a member of NFU Scotland, then please may I take this opportunity to introduce it to you. The scheme incorporates information being distributed to the local farming community within Caithness & Sutherland. This has been done already through information which has been sent along with NFU Scotland material to local members, and we now have the opportunity to include information via Donald S. McGregor & Partners, Veterinary Surgeons, which enables us to reach wider members of the farming community who may not already be members of NFU Scotland.

The Caithness & Sutherland Farm Watch Scheme seeks to encourage our local farmers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity they see to the Police to help combat crime in rural areas, where machinery and plant can be vulnerable to thefts. Added to this, we can look to target those individuals who are concerned in the theft of plant or machinery and domestic oil or diesel.

Farmers and indeed any members of the public who see suspicious individuals or vehicles in rural areas, are asked to get in touch with the Police immediately. If you have any questions in relation to Crime Prevention matters please contact me at Thurso
Police Station.
PC Jennifer Baughan
Community Safety Officer

Since 2003 the number of reported incidents of theft of home heating oil has increased by 494% and in the last year alone there has been a 266% increase

Leave thieves out in the cold and don’t let them steal your heating oil. Thieves siphoning fuel from oil storage tanks outside people’s homes is unfortunately becoming extremely common. With the rising cost of oil your tank is now a very valuable asset that needs protection. Most victims are completely unaware of any theft until their heating stops prematurely leaving them with an empty tank and an unexpected expense of yet another refill.

Police News - Caithness & Sutherland
From Northern Constabulary

18 May 09
Home Heating Oil Stolen From Tank At Thrumster
Police in Wick are appealing for information regarding the theft of oil from an oil tank at Stewart Crescent, Thrumster. This theft is believed to have occurred between 6pm on Friday 15th May 2009 and 6.40am on Saturday 16th May 2009.
In order to prevent any further oil thefts, the Police would like to urge the public to ensure that their oil tanks are sufficiently secured.
Any person with information please contact Wick Police station on 01955603551. Information can also be left anonymously by using CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555111. Reference; NJ/6413/9