SDLP Warn Strabane District Homeowners About 'Oil Theft'

In recent months rising fuel prices have sparked off oil theft, the local Strabane SDLP has said.

People across Strabane District are being warned to be on "high alert" with regards to possible oil-theft in their homes.

A party spokesperson said that while the thefts are occurring "across the district" he assumes "it hits the elderly and single mothers much more".

The SDLP would advise homeowners to "do what they can" to make it more difficult for thieves to steal from their oil tanks.

Last week a single mother of four had her oil tank drained at her Glenview Park home. When the Mother refilled her tank it was drained once more two days later with the cap of the tank stolen also.

She described the spates as "terrible" and added "you're trying to raise a family you're trying to keep your home going in times which are already financially difficult, paying your way to keep your family warm and then this happens".

SDLP Representative, Daniel McCrossan said that criminals were targeting the elderly and vulnerable young families in order to "cash in" on rising oil prices. It has even been advised that those behind the thefts may be following oil trucks to the homes of such people and then returning to drain the tank.

Mr McCrossan said that some "desperate people" are turning to crime rather than pay for rocketing prices for heating oil.

"We believe the situation could get worse if the prices keep going up so people should be aware of the threat to their oil," he said.

Heating oil customers are advised to use all possible security measures such as tank locks to safeguard their supplies against this kind of crime.

If you have been the victim of a heating oil theft, please contact the PSNI and report these crimes.