POLICE in the west Highlands have issued a warning to residents to be aware of heating oil and fuel theft, with higher than ever prices making these commodities a target during the approaching winter.
Inspector Graeme Allan of Fort William Police Station told The Oban Times with costs continually rising, it was imperative for residents to keep an eye out for suspicious individuals and small goods vans with siphoning equipment.
‘I would say people in rural areas are particularly at risk because its much easier to remove fuel and heating oil from a secluded location than it is from a built up area where there are lots of people around.
‘Having said that, people in towns need to be just as vigilant,’ he said, adding that vacant houses were also obvious targets.
Reviewing reports from last winter, Inspector Allan said there had been fuel and heating oil thefts recorded in Roy Bridge, Strontian, Caol and Fort William.
‘Around 900 litres of heating oil was stolen from an unattended house in Caol,’ he said, adding that 200 litres of heating oil had been stolen from a house in Fort William and 50 gallons from a residence in Strontian.
‘These are just the incidents that were reported,’ he said.
Arisaig Community Council secretary Maureen MacColl said police warned residents about a ‘gang that are doing a circuit looking for unattended heating oil containers’.
She said a constable who attended the latest community council meeting urged residents not be complacent.
‘We think we’re out the way here, but we’re not really. In fact, it is well known that people in rural areas are very dependent on heating oil in winter, so we’re just as much a target as anywhere else.’
A recent police report from Mallaig stated: ‘Diesel was taken from a lorry near Morar and three drums of copper cable were stolen from the road works.’
DC James Stewart of Portree Police Station said he was still investigating a spate of heating oil thefts that took place at the beginning of the year and warned residents to be ‘extra vigilant’ this winter, with fuel prices higher than ever.
‘Its very hard to say at this stage whether or not it is organised crime in Skye, but it is definitely widespread and not confined to any particular area. The net is very wide’ he said.
‘I would advise residents to check their oil levels regularly and keep their containers locked. It is also important to be aware of suspicious individuals, especially those hanging around after a delivery has been made.’
DC Stewart said holiday homes were often targeted as their tanks were left unattended for long periods.
Heating oil is priced at between 50p and 60p per litre, meaning it will cost several hundred pounds to heat the average family house during winter months, in addition to electricity bills.
