Theft from heating oil tanks is up by a worrying 51% in 6 years, and with oil tanks often holding thousands of pounds worth of kerosene - theft can have a huge financial impact on families as well as leaving homes without heating.
Thieves will often syphon, pump or decant fuel from a tank that they have targeted either opportunistically, through researching a local area or even by following an oil delivery truck. Thefts are more common during the first three months of the year when the weather is colder and heating oil has a higher black market value. However, heating oil theft can happen at any time during the year so it pays to be vigilant!
There are some steps you can take to protect your heating oil from thieves including:
Choosing a secure tank
Tanks made from robust materials such as steel, have a higher possibility of withstanding attempted thefts. Thieves will often try to drill through a tank to gain access to the fuel inside or even lift the tank away entirely, but steel tanks are harder to drill through and much heavier than plastic tanks.
Camouflage your tank
Keeping your tank well-hidden will go a long way in protecting your heating oil from theft. There are some steps you can take to make sure your tank is hidden from the sight of potential thieves including; setting the tank away from the view of the road and covering it with foliage to disguise it. If possible store your tank indoors, either in a garage or outbuilding or if it meets OFTEC standards- in your house.
If you must store your heating oil tank outdoors, try to keep it visible from the house at all times- the possibility of being seen will deter criminals.
Insure your oil tank
Many homeowners who rely on heating oil are unaware that traditional home insurance doesn’t cover theft or damage to heating oil tanks. To ensure that you are covered in the event of theft you should purchase heating oil tank insurance, this also often covers related incidents such as damage to the tank or oil spills which can be costly to clean up!
Other measures
To further protect your heating oil tank against theft here are some other steps you can take:
Company Head Office
AID Fuel Oils Group
Cocksparrow Lane
Huntington
Cannock
Staffordshire
WS12 4PB
