Sound advice on how to prevent oil thefts from your tank

They are encouraged to lock gates, disguise the tank and install fencing, trellis and defensive planting.

You are also advised to limit the amount of fuel in your tank as full tanks are a popular target and if you do lock your tank use a good quality, alarmed padlock or install lockable caps with crop proof fittings.

Fit a ‘level gauge’ with an audible alarm where a noise should sound if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops and if you install lighting and CCTV and a tank cage or guard’ that offer you top protection.

If you are installing a fuel tank for the first time, ensure that it is placed in a secure location - visible from your home and surrounding properties but not from the road and never leave scrap metal in clear view - by removing any scrap from the view of potential offenders; you can avoid drawing attention to your property or your fuel tank.

For more advice the Oil Firing Technical Association can be contacted on 0845 6585 080.