Some oil theft reports are 'mistaken'

Higher oil prices have led to a higher incidence of oil thefts nationwide. But a police officer in Northern Ireland says may reports of thefts are mistaken

With high oil prices and lower temperatures, police are warning that thieves will be targeting domestic oil tank and stores.

But, while Inspector Pete Bouma of the Ballymena Neighbourhood Policing Team warns residents to be wary of vehicles with tanks prowling residential areas, he also says that the level of thefts has been somewhat exaggerated.

A few householders mistakenly report that they have suffered an oil theft because of the price hike. Says Bouma: "Some people see the tank empty and instinctively think of theft, but on checking receipts for deliveries it becomes clear that their £500 top-up did not last as long as before. It may be a good idea to keep receipts and check the tank regularly."

For the rest of this story from the Ballymena Times, click here