Easy target for thieves

Homeowners in the Dales are warned to be vigilant after a steep rise in fuel prices has meant that heating oil may be an attractive target for thieves.

And with many families filling their storage tanks in preparation for winter – the risk of theft has increased.

There have been several recent incidents where crooks have targeted quiet rural communities and siphoned fuel from oil storage tanks outside people’s homes – leaving the victims with little or no fuel.

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Jeremy Hawksley, from The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC), said: “Making a regular note of your oil level and taking simple preventative measures will help make sure you’re not a victim of oil theft.”

Measures include locking the tank, fitting an alarm and being vigilant following delivery – as fuel distributors are sometimes followed.

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