Police warn thieves could target heating oil tanks due to rising costs

Police have warned that heating oil tanks could be targeted by thieves due to rising demand for the fuel caused by the US-Israel war with Iran.

About 130,000 Scottish households use heating oil to warm their homes, and costs of deliveries rose after the start of the conflict late last month.

Police in the Highlands and Islands have urged people to lock their tanks, and to consider installing CCTV, security lighting and having alarms fitted to gates to their properties.

There have been fuel thefts reported in England and Northern Ireland in recent days.

In a social media post, Police Scotland said: "Domestic heating oil, and other fuels for heating, are in demand since the war in the Middle East.

"Consider the impact of having your heating oil stolen.

"The house is cold, there's a waiting time for more to be delivered, prices are increasing, your boiler is damaged and requires costly repair, the theft goes unnoticed if the property is left unattended for a lengthy period."

Bad weather has led to previous police warnings about fuel thefts.

In January 2011, officers said a prolonged period of wintry weather saw a rise in heating oil thefts in Ross and Cromarty and Lochaber.