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How to Prevent Oil Thefts
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Posted On :
Nov-05-2012
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Article Word Count :
536
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As the prices of heating oil continue to climb in the UK, many thieves are looking to steal precious heating oil from other households.
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As the prices of heating oil continue to climb in the UK, many thieves are looking to steal precious heating oil from other households.
In Wales alone, thefts of heating oil have increased by over 500% in the last five years. According to the recent figures, there were 364 thefts of domestic heating oil in the year 2011, which equals just slightly less than one per day. Some experts estimate that the actual number of thefts is higher and that many homeowners are not noticing the small amounts taken from their tank and are assuming that they simply have less oil than they thought they did.
Just as an example, police in the Dyfed-Powys area estimate the value of the domestic heating oil stolen over the five year period totalled £135,000. There is also the added cost of clean-up as well as repair or replacement of damaged oil tankers.
Many of these oil theft crimes are carried out by organised criminal groups, who scope out the target property in advance. They have even been known to follow the delivery tanker in order to find out which homes have just had a delivery of a fresh supply of domestic heating oil. These criminals will also make a visit to these farms and rural properties under false pretences to learn where the oil is stored so that they can return under cover of darkness and steal as much oil as possible.
The leap in the amount of oil thefts is directly related to the huge price increase in heating oil, which is now considered to be “liquid gold”. The increase in thefts is affecting rural homeowners and farmers. This is mostly a rural problem, because this type of fuel is used by homeowners who are not on the gas mains supply.
A typical 1000 litre tank of domestic heating oil fuel can cost up to £500. You would not leave this amount of cash lying around in public view unguarded, so why would you not take steps to secure your fuel oil tank?
Here are a few tips for keeping your oil safe:
- Position your tank so that it is close to your house and within view of your windows, so that you can keep an eye on it and thieves will consider that the chances of being seen are too high.
- There are remote gauges you can install which will set off an alarm when the oil level in the tank suddenly declines. However, this will only work if you are home to hear the alarm.
- Placing security lights around your tank also make it a harder target, especially when the lights also include motion-sensor activated sounds.
- Securing your oil tank with a wooden or metal fence can give it good protection, but make sure that the oil tanker driver can access the tank to fill it.
These are just a few ways that you can reduce your risk of being a victim of domestic heating oil tank theft. Thefts of domestic heating oilhave become a problem in recent years, but there are many ways that you can protect yourself.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Prevent Oil Thefts_233659.aspx
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Author Resource :
James Charles is a frequent contributor for Fuelfighter and has written many articles pertaining to all things regarding domestic heating oil, energy saving tips especially on such subjects as making the best of your precious boilerjuice for your heating requirements.
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Keywords :
Boilerjuice, heating oil prices, boiler juice, heating oil, kerosene, domestic oil prices, home heating oil prices, kerosene ,
Category :
Home and Family
:
Home and Family
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