Homeowners Encouraged to be Vigilant as Fuel Theft Doubles

As the price of fuel continues to rise, criminal gangs are taking advantage by purposely targeting rural homes to steal their valuable heating oil. In this post we highlight how NFU mutual is urging homeowners to be extra vigilant. Inflation and other factors, including the war in Ukraine, have significantly increased the price and value of fuel oil. Thieves are known to be taking advantage of this price increase by stealing valuable oil, diesel and other fuels from remote rural properties. The overall cost of fuel theft has skyrocketed by 244%, year-on-year, with the average cost of each theft in 2022 exceeding £3000. This is a massive £1200 increase on 2021, reflecting what some have described as a rural fuel theft crime wave. Many rural properties are ‘off grid’ and don’t have access to gas supplies. While some use electricity, many use commercial kerosene oil for their heating and cooking needs. Oil is generally supplied and delivered by specialist suppliers via tankers. Its commonly stored on the property in large, exterior fuel oil tanks that can be readily accessed by the delivery vehicles. Easy access to these storage tanks is one of the vulnerabilities exploited by criminal fuel oil thieves. NFU Mutual has reported that claims for the theft of heating fuels have increased in both quantity and cost. And since fuel oil prices remain high they anticipate the increase in thefts will continue throughout 2023, which is why they are urging rural homeowners to be vigilant. Fuel oil thieves are known to be opportunistic, syphoning domestic heating oil from easily accessed storage tanks. They are also reported to have sometimes targeted the same properties more than once. In one reported case, an 87 year old homeowner had only just filled her oil tank when it was targeted by thieves. The West Devon resident had just spent £2000 to fill her tank when she suddenly found that her Rayburn cooker wasn’t working and her heating system had also apparently failed. Since she had just filled her tank she immediately thought there must be a fault so she called out an engineer who discovered that her tank had been emptied. It is thought that opportunistic criminals had probably witnessed the fuel oil delivery, so they knew there was valuable fuel in her tank. Like many who live in rural locations this homeowner’s fuel oil tank is located in her garden, close enough to an adjacent lane to allow the delivery tanker to refill it. Unfortunately this not only makes the fuel tank convenient for deliveries, it also makes it a viable target for criminals. Orders for home heating oil often involve lengthy delivery times so homeowners can find themselves facing long periods without fuel to heat their homes, their water or to cook with. In another case the fuel tank of a commercial van was emptied by criminals. The owner was alerted to the daytime theft, at his farm, by tyre tracks at the rear of his property. Thieves had brazenly reversed their vehicle onto his land, emptied his fuel tank and made a quick getaway. Thieves Targeting Properties in the Same Area Opportunistic fuel oil thieves are known to sometimes target multiple properties in the same area so victims are encouraged to share information about any suspicious behaviour with the police. People living in rural communities are also encouraged to join local Neighbourhood Watch schemes and take advantage of any farm watch or rural watch groups that exist on social media. Contamination and Pollution Risk As well as the expense incurred due to the theft of heating oil, attacks can sometimes result in significant oil leakage and contamination. The cost of cleaning up after a contamination of surface water or ground water can run into thousands of pounds. Fuel oil storage tanks will often be damaged by unscrupulous thieves, causing oil to leak onto the ground and soak in. The Environment Agency must always be notified if a fuel oil theft has resulted in contamination. Another important consideration is the cost involved in replacing a damaged fuel oil storage tank, as well as refilling it. Fuel Oil Security Recommendations Rural homeowners who rely on fuel oil are encouraged to do what they can to secure their valuable oil. Practical security measures include: Consider the location and security of your fuel oil tank. As noted, these tanks are generally outdoors and conveniently situated so that delivery tankers can access them easily. Its important to be aware that fuel tanks located further away from properties or buildings are more vulnerable. Ideally, tanks should be concealed and located in enclosed areas that can’t be easily accessed without permission. Regularly check fuel levels in storage tanks. Remote, electronic fuel gauges provide an effective way to monitor fuel levels and they can also raise an alarm if levels suddenly fall. But its also important to regularly inspect fuel tanks and keep a record of fuel deliveries and how much oil was delivered. Protect exposed oil pipelines. The oil delivery pipework, between fuel tanks and buildings, is vulnerable to attack and should be protected with a cover. Install a tank lock and alarm. As well as the recommended fuel oil level monitoring device, installing a good quality tank lock and alarm system is a valuable precaution.. Ensure a bund wall is installed. A bund wall is a special type of retaining wall used around storage systems for substances that can potentially be harmful, such as kerosene and other fuel oils. Bolster perimeter security. Ensuring the perimeter of remote rural properties is as secure as possible is extremely valuable. This involves paying attention to gates, locks, fences, hedges, ditches and walls. Its also a good idea to completely block entrances that aren’t used. Install security lighting. Security lighting, triggered by motion, is a valuable anti-theft deterrent. But, as noted in the previously cited case, it will not deter bold, daytime thieves. Install CCTV cameras. Increasingly affordable CCTV systems are a valuable deterrent and aid for law enforcement when a crime is committed. Installation in conjunction with motion triggered security lighting and appropriate warning signage can be enough to put off all but the most determined criminals. Install an alarm system. As previously noted, a variety of fuel tank alarm systems are currently available. Fuel tank level alarms can provide alerts to theft, leaks and possibly overfills when the fuel tank is refilled. Some systems will detect when the level in a fuel tank falls at a fast rate, which can be a sign of either theft or leakage. The homeowner is immediately alerted with a text message to their mobile phone. Vigilance is Crucial As noted, its anticipated that rural fuel theft crime will continue at a high rate throughout 2023. As recommended by NFU Mutual, vigilance is essential - along with taking sensible, practical precautions to protect valuable fuel supplies. If you have any questions about rural security or if you have any special requirements remember that we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.

For more information on Homeowners Encouraged to be Vigilant as Fuel Theft Doubles talk to Insight Security