Rural communities In County Durham urged to be extra vigilant following fuel thefts

Farmers and residents of rural areas are being urged to be extra vigilant following a national rise in fuel thefts.

Officers are advising people to keep their tanks out of sight and install security measures such as CCTV, padlocks and lighting to deter opportunistic thieves who have been targeting stores of heating oil.

Thieves traditionally target farms during the night which gives them more opportunities to get away unnoticed.

Among the tips for deterring thieves are:

Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from the house. Fuel tanks located away from buildings or dwellings are more vulnerable if they can’t be seen.

Ideally, tanks should be within an enclosed compound with secured access.
Fit a fuel tank alarm. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops.
Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked, and block exits that aren’t used.
Activate intruder alarm systems, which may have a local sounder or remotely monitored signalling.
Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.