Gardai in Donegal are urging homeowners to take preventative measures to avoid the theft of heating oil in response to high fuel costs.
People are advised to check oil levels frequently, arrange smaller but more frequent oil deliveries, install automatic movement sensor security lighting around the tank, install lockable gates and fencing around tank.
Gardai are warning householders to also be vigilant following a delivery, be aware thieves may return to steal replacement oil following an initial theft and to note suspicious vehicles’ registration numbers and report them to Gardaí.
Examples of improving security of domestic heating oil tanks provided by Gardai include;
1. Sitting the oil tank: The position of the tank can have a significant effect on how a thief views how hard a target is. Place the tank as close to the house as regulations allow and in view of one or more windows. This may make the thief consider the chance of being seen too high to risk. Also, ensure the tank is not visible from the road to passing traffic.
2. Security lights: Security lights can have a very positive effect and make property a much harder target for the thief.
3. Defensive planting: Defensive planting is nature’s way of helping to reduce crime. Thieves will not wish to force their way through or over a prickly hedge. Also planting such as trees or hedging can be used to make the oil tank less visible from the road to passing traffic.
4. Lock: A good quality closed shackle padlock fitted to the tank opening should be your starting point.
5. Securing the oil tank: A wooden or metal fence, trellis or wall can give significant protection to the tank and is probably the strongest method of target hardening. A metal or grill cage with a lockable access point across the top of this wall or fence can further improve security.
6. Oil level gauges: Remote electronic oil level gauges are available which will set off an audible alarm when the oil level drops dramatically, as would happen if there were a leak or theft, and alerts the receiver unit. There are units on the market to-day that will even send a text alert to your mobile phone.
7. CCTV: Installing CCTV may sound extreme. However, small infra-red cameras are fairly cheap these days. A covert camera to record the number plates of any cars or vans entering your driveway could help. It may not stop thieves but could help trace them later. Placing a highly visible camera on your property may act as a deterrent to thieves, especially in areas where natural surveillance is scarce.
8. Monitored alarm: A lot of farmers in particular are going for new security products on the market which monitors your yard by wireless beams when you are not there. When activated if somebody enters your yard, you are notified on your phone by a monitoring station.
