Guard against oil theft

: Tuesday, 23 October 2012 10:08

Police and Derbyshire Dales District Council are offering home owners advice on ways to protect themselves from oil theft.

Sergeant Andy Wordsworth with the oil theft advice leaflet Residents can get hold of a leaflet containing crime prevention tips on fuel tank security.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Andy Wordsworth said:

"The advice is being offered ahead of the winter months and in the wake of a number of thefts, especially from more rural properties, in the area last year.

"It provides basic information on how to make your oil tank more secure be less of a target for theft along with on additional security measures that can be taken such as tank alarms and oil level gauge alarms."

The leaflets are available from most police stations and several oil providers have been given supplies to hand out when they make an oil delivery.

There is also a supply of driveway alarms at a discounted price of £20 available for residents to collect from Bakewell and some other police stations.

Some of the tips to help prevent theft of include:

Make sure that you lock any gates or lock your fuel tank if you can.
Disguise your oil tank if you can or create obstacles to make it more difficult to access.
Fit a level gauge
Consider installing security lighting or CCTV
Avoid leaving any scrap metal on view.

Derbyshire Dales District Council Leader Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, who is also Chairman of the Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership, said:

"Funding the driveway alarms and the oil advice leaflets is part of the partnership's ongoing campaign to maintain the Dales' status as one of the safest places to live, work and visit in the whole of the UK. In particular these initiatives help our rural communities to stay safe and protect the many Dales properties that have oil for heating or business use."

Officers are also encouraging residents to sign up to the Derbyshire Alert system, where people can receive messages through email, phone or text to advise about any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.

To join online go to www.derbyshirealert.co.uk

For further information on oil tank security or Derbyshire Alert please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing team on 101, the non emergency number for Derbyshire police.