19
Aug
2016
By Calvin at 08:56 GMT, 7 years ago
Please find below the latest message from Stephen Armson-Smith, the Crime Prevention Officer for Braintree and Uttlesford in Essex. This time Steve is talking to us about theft of heating oil and getting ready for the longer darker evenings...
Heating Oil
It’s this time of year that many of you will be thinking about topping up your heating oil tank for winter and when you consider the cost of doing that then it’s got to be worth considering the security of the tank.
It’s primarily domestic properties in more isolated parts of the countryside that are targeted by the oil thieves, but in the Essex police have also seen oil theft at farms and other businesses.
There are a number of security devices available that will protect your fuel supplies - details of which can be found via your fuel supplier or local plumber’s merchant. One system worth looking at is the Tank Commander fuel tank alarm at www.commandersecurities.co.uk [which you can find in our Directory], which holds accreditation from the police ‘Secured by Design’ project. The product detects a dramatic drop in fuel level and then notifies you on your mobile. One of their systems can also be integrated with your home or business intruder alarm.
There are other systems that will add on to an existing intruder alarm system, whilst others protect the filler cap and there are, of course, the conventional locks.
Another consideration would be defensive planting around the tank, concealing it and restricting access to it by gates or fencing, and where possible locating the tank under lighting in view of lived-in rooms within the house.
The Illusion of occupancy
As the nights draw in earlier don’t forget to use table lamps on timers and there is a product called “Fake TV” that produces lighting that resembles a television switched on within a room. [Steve points you to www.immobilise.com to purchase one where it’s £24.99 + delivery charge, but I got mine from here for just £11.69 and free postage!] Mind you, you can also record serial numbers of products at Immobilise free of charge.
Consider installing external “Dusk till dawn” lighting and remember to ensure gates are in good condition and are kept closed and locked.
A new product available is a movement sensor that activates an appliance plugged into a special plug socket; an internet search will find such devices. [Here’s just one example]
If you live in Essex and would like further advice regarding security please look at the Essex Police website https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/ , the crime prevention website http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/ or contact your local Crime Reduction Advisor by using the 101 non-emergency telephone number.
Naturally we also ask locals to report any unusual activity to police in an emergency on 999 or after the event on 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Stephen Armson-Smith
Braintree & Uttlesford Crime Prevention Officer
16th August 2016
