Householders warned after diesel fuel theft in Alvechurch

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HUNDREDS of pounds worth of heating fuel has been stolen from an Alvechurch home, sparking a security fear with the winter months ahead.

Thieves hit a storage tank outside a property in Lilley Green Road between 5pm Monday (November 12) and 9am Tuesday (November 13).

Around 400 litres of the heating diesel oil was taken, worth an estimated £350.

It is suspected whoever stole it parked away from the home and walked over a field to get there.

With it being the first reported fuel theft in North Worcestershire, police have warned residents to be vigilant in securing their property following a recent rise in the price of fuel.

PC Simon Albutt said: "The price of heating oil has rocketed in recent months and that could make it more attractive to thieves.

"As many of the properties that use this type of fuel tend to be in isolated or rural areas where there are no gas mains, it does make these tanks more vulnerable.

"We would urge owners to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity around their or neighbouring properties as well as reviewing the security of their storage tanks."

Worcestershire Crime Risk Advisor, Pete Aston said: "Perimeter security is an important consideration for householders who have fuel storage tanks and we would also recommend the installation of security lighting and fitting an alarm which indicates if the oil level has suddenly dropped.

"Fuel locking caps are also available and, if the tank is in an outbuilding, owners should ensure it is locked at all times."

Any witnesses or any information to the Lilley Green Road incident should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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