Heating oil theft advice issued in light of rising oil costs

Thursday, 19 March 2026 08:00

A warning for households using heating oil in Hampshire, as police highlight an increased risk of theft.

With prices rising due to tensions in the Middle East, they say criminals are targeting domestic fuel tanks.

Residents are urged to install security lighting, alarms and CCTV, and to use locking caps and anti-siphoning devices.

Hampshire Police say many people rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm. Criminals will watch the market and take the opportunity to profit from these kinds of cost increases.

Hampshire Police advice for domestic oil:

Fuel tanks should be visible from the house to increase the chance of a thief being seen
Use motion-sensor security lighting and consider installing a motion-sensor alarm in this area
Use locking fuel caps and fit anti-siphoning devices
Focus CCTV cameras on the tank
Install cages or plant prickly plants around the tanks. It is important to screen your tank so that it cannot be seen from the road
Install a fuel tank alarm – either one that triggers when the cap is tampered with or one that alerts the owner when the fuel level suddenly drops. More advanced systems can be linked to security lighting or send a text message to alert the owner
The police can only recommend products that have been attack tested and come with the Secured by Design Police Preferred Specification accreditation. The following two websites have a range of these suitable security products: Secured by Design - Secured by Design and Sold Secure - Security Product Testing & Approval

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Heating oil theft advice issued in light of rising oil costs

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