Heating oil is a valuable resource to those who use it. Without such provisions, many homes would be rendered unable to function properly. However, as heating oil prices rise, the substance is increasingly being targeted by thieves intent on stealing it, meaning consumers have to be on their guard if they are to protect their supplies.
Recently, Essex Crimestoppers called on people in the county to keep their eyes open for illegal acts like this.
The area has seen a rise in heating oil thefts over previous months and the organisation is determined to crack down on such behaviour.
All those who have information about thieves taking this valuable resource have been urged to contact Crimestoppers. They can do so anonymously and they might be in for a reward if they provide relevant information.
According to the organisation, which is an independent charity that helps to find criminals and solve crimes, £27,964 of oil used for heating has been stolen from 61 homes in Essex so far this year.
Crimestoppers eastern regional manager Ann Scott stated: “Contacting Crimestoppers is about what you know, not who you are. You don’t have to give your name and your call isn’t traced or recorded. You won’t have to go to court or give a statement to police.”
She noted that any information, regardless of how trivial it may seem, might come in useful.
