WITH autumn setting-in this week rural homes in Cumbria are being reminded to take measures to avoid heating oil being stolen as they fill up for the winter.

More than 14,000 homes in the county use oil for central heating and most will now be filling up their tanks ready for when the cold weather sets in.

However, OFTEC, the UK trade body for the oil fired heating industry, is advising oil users to think about the risk of oil theft and take a few simple precautions to protect their tanks.

Malcolm Farrow, of OFTEC, said: “Oil is a valuable asset so unfortunately this is a problem that can happen although thankfully it is rare.

"However, by taking some simple precautions such as fitting lockable caps and installing a security light you can deter thieves.

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"Electronic level gauges and alarms are also very effective in alerting someone to a sudden drop in their oil level.”

Oil users often don’t know anything has happened until their heating suddenly stops working and they are horrified to find that their tank has been drained.

Malcolm Farrow added: “Heating oil prices have actually fallen over recent years, while electricity, gas and LPG prices have all risen, which is helping to reduce the temptation for oil thieves.”

For more information on oil tank security, including details of local OFTEC registered technicians who can offer advice on how to protect your tank, visit www.oftec.org.uk or the OilSave website at www.oilsave.org.uk.