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Oil Thefts - Mid Suffolk

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Published on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 14:04
Written by Mark Hatton
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Police are appealing for information following a number of heating oil thefts at three villages in Mid Suffolk over the last few weeks.

Between Sunday 1st and Monday 30th January heating oil was stolen from houses in Church Road in Old Newton, Old Rectory Gardens in Occold and Wattisfield Road in Hinderclay. If you have any information about any of these thefts please contact Mid Suffolk police on 101 quoting reference ST/12/339

 

Suffolk Constabulary is advising users of domestic heating oil to follow some important crime prevention tips to help keep their fuel safe this winter.

Since the start of 2011 to December 4th 2011 there were 115 incidents recorded of oil thefts, compared to 93 during the same period the previous year.

 Domestic oil tanks can contain thousands of pounds worth of fuel and are often found at properties in rural locations, making them a target for criminals.

 Oil tank owners are being given the following advice: 

  • 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 immediately by ringing 999.

Owners are reminded to consult with their supplier and insurer before installing any security measures. If anyone requires more in depth security advice along with helpful literature they are invited to contact Suffolk Police on 101 and ask for the crime reduction officer for their area.

 Or

Please use this link to pass any useful information to Suffolk Police about this incident.

DO NOT USE THIS LINK IN AN EMERGENCY OR IN A SITUATION THAT REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE POLICE RESPONSE WHEN YOU SHOULD RING 999.

Police Direct Team

Suffolk Constabulary are warning people to be on their guard against the following frauds, which are currently being reported to us on a regular basis :-

1. You receive a telephone call from a person claiming to work for Microsoft and informing you that you have numerous errors and faults on your computer which they can clean up for you if you give them remote access to your computer and pay them a fee using a credit or debit card. Never reveal your card details to anyone who calls you and of whom you have no previous knowledge.

This is a fraud - every computer will contain an error log, but it does not mean there are faults with the system. It is simply a means of Microsoft improving their products and they will never ring you to ask for details or tell you your machine needs cleaning. It is this error log the caller directs you to in an effort to convince you they are genuine.

2. You apply for a loan over the internet and receive a call back from someone offering to assist you with the loan, but first you have to prove you can meet the payments by purchasing a Ukash voucher or similar and calling them back with the number of the voucher, or transferring money via a money wiring service. 

This is a fraud - you will never see the loan and you will lose the money you have spent on the voucher or transfer. No reputable loan company will ever employ this method and Ukash vouchers are not intended for this type of transaction.

If you have any concerns over possible frauds then please visit www.actionfraud.org.uk for advice, or if you have been a victim of crime then please contact Suffolk Constabulary via 101.