Garda warning as thieves target domestic oil tanks
HOUSEHOLDERS have been advised to put some basic precautions in place following a reported theft of oil from a residence in the Claregalway area over the weekend.
A spate of such home-heating oil thefts occurred across the country a number of years back as oil prices soared – now, Gardaí have again advised householders to put reliable security locks on their tanks.
The Gardaí have said that while such thefts can be difficult to prevent completely – especially when people are away from their homes – there are a number of common-sense measures that can help to thwart such robberies.
Garda Inspector, Peter Conlon, told the Connacht Tribune that the installing of a proper lock onto the opening of the tank was the first obvious deterrent that should be considered.
He said that while the lock in itself couldn’t guarantee that the tank would be totally secure, nonetheless a properly fitted and sturdy padlock, would be a major help in deterring thieves from targeting a tank.
“We would also strongly advise that where tanks can be easily seen from the roadside are well lit up in terms of a good sensor light. Ideally, oil tanks should be out of public view in a secure part of the property,” said Inspector Conlon.
He said that invariably such thefts were a winter-time phenomenon when tanks were full or close to being full during the colder weather.
Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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