How to protect your domestic fuels from theft
Protecting oil and diesel from theft
With theft of heating oil and diesel increasing, there is a need to improve security around your fuel tanks. Theft of oil and diesel is seen as rich and easy pickings by gangs of thieves and a significant lack of security around some tanks make their lives easier. Don’t rely on your insurance to pick up the tab, invest some thought into some security improvements.
There are some simple things you can do to reduce your chances of having your fuel stolen. Property is more likely to be targeted in rural locations but don’t think you are immune to it if you are in town as fuel thieves are not fussy, just selective!
The location of your tank is an important factor. If possible, locate it out of sight of the road but in sight of your dwelling.
Lock up your tank with good quality padlocks. If possible, buy an alarmed padlock or use lockable caps and crop proof fittings. If you are able to fit hardened flexible casings to vulnerable hoses then this will improve the security as they are more difficult to cut.
The simple act of locking your gates at the front of your property can make a difference. Every small improvement can make a difference to your security.
Depending on the siting of your tank and any potential weak spots in visibility (from a dwelling), it may be an advantage to plant an area around the tank with thorny plants such as pyracantha (firethorn) or hawthorn. These will cost very little to plant and will create an impenetrable barrier with their vicious thorns. It will also benefit wildlife, the birds will love you for it!
Installing security lighting activated by PIR detection devices can make a big difference. Nobody wants to be caught stealing, if you illuminate them with a couple of 500 watt lights then it will upset them at the very least.
CCTV can also be a very effective measure, particularly if the cameras are obviously (and professionally) sited. Decent security cameras are not particularly expensive and if positioned well, can be a good deterrent. If you can’t afford the real thing, even dummy cameras have their place if positioned correctly. Remember that real cameras rarely (if ever) have flashing lights on them so avoid the dummy cameras that have a particular sales feature of ‘real flashing red LED lights to improve reality’ as it will be an obvious fake! The siting of security cameras is pretty important so don’t overlook it and there is plenty of advice online, just be selective about who’s advice you use. It is always worth engaging the services of a professional company to carry out the installation for you as they are experts in their field. It has obvious cost implications but if you have a comprehensive CCTV system which is maintained under contract covering your main dwelling, outbuildings etc then if it goes wrong you just call the firm to fix it.
Additional measure include a level gauge alarm that can sound an alarm in your house if the oil level reaches a pre-determined level (indicating the contents are being removed). Also available is a tank security cage. Altogether a more significant investment but if you have been targeted before or if the surroundings or proximity to buildings make it difficult to protect then this may be worth considering.
Remember, nobody can eradicate theft but with a few well considered improvements to your tank security you can make the lives of potential thieves a lot more difficult.