Clever Tricks to Protect your Heating Oil Supply from Theft

In spite of the UK experiencing the cheapest heating oil prices in years, oil theft still remains a big problem. Many people across the country who rely on oil to heat their homes find themselves the target of oil theft, as opportunist thieves syphon their valuable oil in the night; leaving the tank empty and the owners often hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

Oil Prices: Does it have an Effect?

Many people believe that the current low fuel prices, UK and across the world in general, should technically serve to reduce the rate of oil crime. After all, logically it makes sense. If oil is seen as a less expensive, less valuable commodity, wouldn’t this naturally curb the criminal’s appetite for stealing it?

Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a correlation between current low oil prices and theft. Rates of oil crime still remain the same as ever, despite the fact that the UK has seen some of the cheapest heating oil prices since 2009.

Protecting your Investment

Purchasing oil should always be seen as an investment, even if it is the cheapest heating oil in years. As a result, it’s important to protect it from thieves as effectively as possible.

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure that your oil supply stays in your storage tank.

2. 1. Move it closer. Many oil thieves deliberately seek out oil tanks that are positioned a good distance away from the property. There’s an obvious reason why they do this; it makes it that much easier for them to steal the oil without being detected! To avoid this, arrange to have your tank moved closer to your home, preferably within eyesight.?

2. 2. Light it up. A motion detector light is an excellent way of deterring would-be criminals. Positioned near to your tank, the device will automatically flood the area with light if it detects any movement, which is likely to cause even the most brazen of thieves to think twice about stealing your oil.

2. 3. Get covered. Another effective way of ensuring you avoid oil theft is to disguise your oil tank as best as possible. Rather than leaving it exposed and advertising to passers-by that you have oil on the premises, plant some trees or bushes around it to conceal it from view. Fences also provide good coverage.

2. 4. Make it difficult. Make it as tricky as possible for any criminals to access your oil by using a lock. A shackle padlock is particularly effective, as the metal loop on this padlock is hardly visible, which makes breaking into it with bolt cutters that much more complicated.

2. 5. Time for alarm? A remote oil gauge will alert you if there is a sudden, unexplained drop in your heating oil levels; which will enable you to respond quickly if someone is attempting to steal your oil.