Oil theft warning

A BED and breakfast proprietor has warned homeowners to double check their insurance documents after she was told she wasn’t covered by her policy when thieves stole £800 of domestic fuel from a tank in her garden.

Pat Taylor, who runs Pickwick House, in Ashen Lane, Stoke by Clare, discovered last Wednesday (April 26) morning that the heating oil had been emptied from the tank overnight.

Mrs Taylor believes the culprits got in to the rear garden by climbing on to the flat roof of a shed. Any attempt to enter from the front would have triggered the dusk to dawn lights.

Her biggest problem arose when she tried to put in an insurance claim with Legal & General.

Mrs Taylor said: “They said accompanying your policy was a booklet and on page 36 it tells you are not covered for an oil tank.

“How many people are going to look through 36 pages of a booklet to check if they are covered.

“We have obviously now had an alarm system fitted (to the tank).

“I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who have got no idea that their household insurance policy doesn’t include an oil tank and the contents of their oil tank.”

Mrs Taylor said she is the second person in Stoke by Clare to have their oil tank emptied by thieves in the past two months.

The other victim, she said, had his oil tank emptied within just 36 hours of it being filled up.

She is also concerned that Google Maps clearly identify those properties in the village that have oil tanks in their gardens - and accordingly urges people to improve their home security to ensure they are not a victim of crime.

“If you look at Google Maps you can clearly see where everyone’s fuel tank is sited”, added Mrs Taylor. “This is terrible. It’s an open invitation. It’s just an open book for them.”

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said the theft is being investigated, and anyone with information should call Sgt Sarah Bartley on 101.

He also issued the following advice to oil tank owners:

-Regularly monitor your tank levels.

-Where possible screen tanks from view.

-Close and secure perimeter gates/access.

-Conceal external pipe work.

-Steel cages with lockable access are available.

-Install dusk to dawn lighting.

-Install lockable caps supported by a closed shackle or alarmed padlock.

-CCTV supported by good lighting may be an option for some locations.

-Join or start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and report promptly any suspicious callers or vehicles.

-Remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour by ringing 999.

(Reproduced from The Haverhill Echo, 5th May)

Gardien Comment:  Guardcam offers a good solution by providing lighting, an optional audible warning, and recording of images. See http://www.garden-security.co.uk/garden-floodlight-PIR-camera-video.aspx