Police in Cherwell issue warning over increase in fuel theft cases

Thames Valley Police has offered advice about fuel theft prevention

Police in Cherwell have issued a warning over an increase in fuel theft cases and offered advice to prevent yours being stolen.

With the significant increase to fuel prices in recent months Thames Valley Police (TVP) has identified a recent surge in reports of fuel theft.

TVP Cherwell has shared information on Facebook saying that oil, diesel, petrol and heating fuel have been targeted repeatedly.

In order to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of fuel theft they ask motorists and residents to consider the following:

Keep the heating oil tank visible – natural surveillance reduces vulnerability - but ensure that the tank is not visible from the roadReduce access points – keep gates closed and block unused exit pointsUse SBD approved standards – where gates or tanks are secured by a locking mechanism, ensure that it meets Secure by Design (SBD) approved standardsInstall an alarm – install a fuel tank alarm and monitoring system to notify you if the fuel level suddenly dropsUse anti-siphoning devices – fuel tanks should be fitted with a locking fuel cap and anti-siphoning deviceConsider a detection system – consider installing a perimeter detection system or CCTVRestrict access – consider the installation of bollards, which will impede vehicle access andImplement a fuel management system – this will counteract any unauthorised usage.