The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) are helping to protect consumers against a worrying increase in heating oil thefts by developing a number of tailored alarm and surveillance systems to protect rural communities. As temperatures drop and fuel prices continue to rise thieves have targeted unsecured heating oil tanks to steal thousands of litres of fuel, which can then be sold on the black market. Around 1.3 million homes depend on heating oil to get them through the winter, paying an average of £900 for 1000 litres of fuel. Farms are particularly at risk, with insurance company NFU Mutual reporting more than 100 thefts totalling as much as £50,000.

Chairman of the BSIA’s Security Systems Section Tim Geddes said: "Using the latest technology, many of these systems suit areas where there is either no local power or it is too costly to bring in a supply. BSIA members can supply a cost-effective mix of CCTV, intruder detection and mobile guards to help rural homes and businesses counter all types of risk. This technology can also help to prevent the dreaded situation of running out of fuel, as it provides an early warning when the oil level falls below 10%. Providing this sort of reassurance means that both residential and commercial customers can rest easy over Christmas without the added worry of fuel theft.”

Posted by Chris Williams