Gardaí in Clare are warning of a surge in home heating oil theft and drive-offs from filling stations amid rising oil prices.
Gardaí say above-ground oil tanks and mobile fuel bowsers are most at risk of being targeted.
Householders are advised to install alarms in their oil tanks, as well as anti-siphoning devices and to erect signage and install security lighting and CCTV to deter thieves.
Commercial premises, meanwhile, are urged to implement fuel management systems to monitor fuel levels.
Sergeant Edel Burke from Kilrush Garda Station is advising to “Keep fuel tanks visible, as remote tanks are more at risk. Restrict access, keep gates closed and locked.
“When not in use, secure your vehicle and the keys.
“Use fuel tank cap locks and anti-siphoning devices on vehicles and machinery.”
“Ennis Gardai are investigating two thefts last Tuesday the 1oth March at approximately 7pm. Two drive offs from petrol pumps occurred, the drivers failed to pay for the fill of diesel and petrol.
“For any petrol station managers listening this is a nationwide occurrence and is something for them to monitor more closely,” Sergeant Burke concluded.