Police in Broadland and North Norfolk are reminding residents and businesses with oil tanks on their property to vigilant of their security.

The reminder followings reports of oil being siphoned from tanks in the Ringland areas of Norwich and Beeston Regis, Cromer.

The first incident happened sometime between 8 August and 6 September where around 800 litres of diesel was stolen from a property in Ringland.

Followed by the theft in Beeston Regis which happened sometime between 4.30pm on Tuesday 7 September and 7am on Wednesday 8 September, where 230 litres of diesel was siphoned from the tank.

Supt Dave Marshall said: “This is about everyone protecting each other. We are working with the fuel companies and the public to push the message through that oil is an expensive commodity and everyone needs to do their bit to prevent losses - this can mean you, your neighbours or anyone in your community. If you know anyone or have any information that leads to the identity of fuel thieves then please contact us”

Norfolk constabulary offers the following crime prevention advice for tank owners:

• Keep your tank in a well overlooked position – this will ensure thieves are more likely to be seen.
• If your tank is close to your house make sure that it can be seen from your windows – this coupled with lighting will make it less of a target.
• Security lights can help deter potential thieves. Low level ‘dusk ‘til dawn’ lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity.
• Enclosing your tank in a building which can be secured is better still. However it is important not to overlook the importance of ventilation; advice should be sought from you oil company.

• If you have a gate keep it closed and locked when you are out.
• Make sure your perimeter fence is in good condition and is not easy to climb.

• Invest in a good quality lock. Close shackle padlocks are recommended as they offer better resistance to bolt croppers and other tools that thieves usually come equipped with.
• Check your oil gauges regularly to alert you to any potential thefts and help investigations by narrowing crime times down. Many tanks can be fitted with a gauge to monitor levels which can be read inside the house.