Oil is the main source of heating for around 1.5m homes across the UK, and Norfolk as a rural county, features many homes that depend on this fuel to heat their homes, especially during the cold winter months.

Unfortunately, as fuel increases in cost, it becomes a favourable target for thieves, and the isolated nature of many homes in Norfolk that rely on this, it makes them an easy target for thieves as well.

Norfolk Constabulary has noticed these thefts and appeal for people to be vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity to the police, in addition to providing the following crime prevention advice for oil 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 your 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.