MEMBERS of the public have been reminded to protect their fuel tanks as the winter approaches.

Last year around £20,000 worth of heating and diesel oil was stolen in the Isle of Man.

To try and prevent the same happening this year the Isle of Man Constabulary is asking members of the public to be vigilant against this crime.

A spokesperson for the constabulary said: "People need to be vigilant about their fuel storage arrangements and report any suspicious activity.

"Someone in our community knows who is doing this. Somewhere someone has been offered oil at a lowered price or knows where drums of oil are being stored in unusual circumstances.

"Rises in crude oil see rises in these types of crime and it is an increasing problem. This makes oil an attractive proposition for the thief and they are now actively targeting fuel tanks in farms, vehicle storage sites and domestic properties.

"The police are also targeting these areas increasing their patrols and working with the oil providers to try and reduce this kind of crime."

Members of the public have been asked to take precautions to protect their fuel tanks including installing security lights and using padlocks.

Police have also advised the public to check their fuel tanks regularly and to record the levels. They say the sooner they know about a fuel theft the more chance there is of catching the person responsible.

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