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Fuel theft increase highlighted
Fuel theft alert for rural & island communities
Police Scotland Crime Prevention Officers are reporting a rise in fuel thefts across the country, affecting both mainland and island areas.
This increase is linked to recent fuel price rises and speculation about potential shortages. Criminals are targeting a wide range of fuels, including:
- Domestic heating oil
- Petrol and diesel
- Fuel stored in vehicle tanks
- Agricultural, construction, and commercial fuel supplies
For rural and island communities – where fuel is essential and often stored in larger quantities – this presents a particular risk.
🔒 How You Can Protect Your Fuel
Here are some practical steps to help safeguard your home, vehicles, and business:
👀 Improve Visibility
- Place fuel tanks where they can be clearly seen from homes, farmhouses, or site offices.
- Natural surveillance can act as a strong deterrent.
🚧 Limit Access
- Keep access points to a minimum.
- Ensure gates are closed, locked, and unused entrances are blocked.
🔐 Upgrade Security Standards
- Use Secured by Design (SBD) approved locks, gates, and fencing.
- Maintain strict control over keys to prevent unauthorised use or copying.
🔔 Install Alarms and Monitoring
- Fit tank alarms or remote monitoring systems to alert you of sudden fuel loss.
- Consider secure, alarmed enclosures for tanks in remote locations.
🛢️ Fit Anti-Siphoning Devices
- Install locking caps and anti-siphon devices to prevent fuel being drained.
- Ensure all equipment meets recognised Police-approved standards.
📡 Consider Additional Detection Systems
- High-risk sites may benefit from perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS).
🚜 Restrict Vehicle Access
- Use bollards or barriers where fencing isn’t practical.
📊 Use Fuel Management Systems
- Track usage, monitor levels, and control access with key fobs or codes.
- This is especially useful where multiple users access the same tank.
📉 Reduce Stored Fuel
- Keep fuel quantities to a minimum where possible, particularly at unattended rural or island sites.
👀 Stay Vigilant
Be alert to suspicious people or vehicles, especially around delivery times or in remote areas.
📞 Report concerns immediately:
- Call Police Scotland on 101
- Or visit: Contact Police Scotland online
Taking these simple precautions can make a significant difference in protecting your fuel and deterring criminal activity.
