Gardaí have issued advice to homeowners on steps they should take to secure oil on their property from thieves.
A Garda Lamp with a Garda Siochana logo seen outside Kevin Street District Garda Station in Dublin city center during Level 5 Covid-19 lockdown.
On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
As oil prices surge, Gardaí have issued advice to homeowners to take steps to prevent home heating oil being stolen.
Consumers have reported hikes in the cost of home heating oil, up to 16 cent per litre, due to the Middle East conflict. In the Dail this week, Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane said that since the US and Israel began bombing Iran, home heating oil costs had “skyrocketed.”
Amid this time of anxiety, Gardaí have issued some advice to homeowners regarding the prevention of home oil theft. They said that homeowners can add layers of protection to their home heating oil.
“With oil prices increasing, it is worth looking at some preventative measures to avoid theft of home heating oil,” they said in a Facebook post. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard, you should check your oil levels frequently, which allows you to spot discrepancies early.
Try to arrange smaller but more frequent oil deliveries to minimise the amount of fuel sitting in the tank at any one time. Physical deterrents are also advised, such as automatic movement sensor security lighting around the tank and planting shrubs or fencing to screen the tank from being overlooked.
For those with more space or in more rural areas, lockable access gates and lockable fencing that completely encloses your tank, including the top, will keep any would-be thieves away.
Beyond physical barriers, consider installing CCTV or fitting an alarm system specifically designed to warn you if the oil level drops suddenly.
It is also important to remain extra vigilant immediately following a delivery, as thieves often target tanks they know are full, and be aware that they may even return to steal replacement oil after an initial theft. Finally, always stay alert to your surroundings by noting the registration numbers of suspicious vehicles and reporting them to the Gardaí.
Gardaí advice:
• “Check oil levels frequently.
• Try to arrange smaller but more frequent oil deliveries.
• Install automatic movement sensor security lighting around the tank.
• Plant shrubs or erect fencing to screen tanks from view from the road.
• Install and use lockable access gates, and erect lockable fencing around your tank, including over the top.
• Consider installing CCTV.
• Consider fitting an alarm system which warns if the oil level drops suddenly.
• Be vigilant following a delivery.
• Be aware thieves may return to steal replacement oil following an initial theft.
• Note suspicious vehicles’ registration numbers and report them to Gardaí.”
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