Police Warn Over Rural Fuel Thefts

Police officers from the Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Police Division in Scotland have urged owners of fuel tanks to boost their security and be on the lookout after reports of a high number of thefts of high volumes of domestic fuel in rural areas.

The Helensburgh Advertiser reports that there had been a spate of thefts between December last year and February in the wider Argyll area. Unfortunately, there was no CCTV footage available, and no suspects have been identified.

According to the police, heating oil and red diesel, which is used for agricultural machinery, are the most common items stolen from farms.

The police have offered the following advice:

• Install and use lockable gates, maintain boundaries and perimeter fencing to deter intruders.

• Hide domestic fuel tanks from view with hedges, shrubs, and fencing.

• Fit a locking cap to your tank.

• Keep a record of the fuel levels in your tank, and check regularly

• If possible, install motion-detecting security lighting to cover the tank and the surrounding area.

• Make a note of any suspicious vehicles, and report the registration numbers to the police by calling 101.

• If tanks are located in outbuildings, make sure they are kept locked and secure.

• If you have already had fuel stolen, be aware that thieves may return to steal any replacement fuel.

• Be especially vigilant following a recent delivery of fuel.

• Consider an alarm that notifies you if fuel is being drained from the tank.

Keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour on your property and your neighbours, and report anything untoward to the police.

If you’re looking to buy a diesel dispensing tank in the UK, get in touch today.