Recession
fuelling diesel thefts
Gardien, farm and garden security experts, are warning the farming
community and householders to be on their guard against criminals
targeting central heating and vehicle fuel tanks in farmyards
and back gardens as the cost of diesel escalates.
Bill Seddon, MD of Gardien, says, "This is not a new problem
but an old one that has come back to haunt us. We last saw a rapid
rise in this type of offence when international oil prices hit
record levels and we witnessed transport demonstrations across
the country. Whilst we are not yet receiving reports in the volume
that we saw previously, indications are that the theft of fuel,
in particular diesel, is starting to be encountered in different
parts of the country. This is especially so in rural areas and
we would strongly advise people with easily accessible tanks in
either their gardens or yards to re-visit their security and insurance
cover. This type of crime is preventable."
Gardien recommends that site access should be reviewed ensuring
that no vehicle can get within close proximity to the tank without
consent.
Improved perimeter security can easily be achieved
with good quality lockable gates or a much more cost effective
way is to install collapsible pillars on the access road. The vicinity
of the tank should be well lit with a good quality security
light and the filler cap secured with a strong industrial,
insurance rated padlock. On commercial premises the handset
for filling vehicles should also be secured with a padlock
when not in use. Where the property has an intruder alarm installed
the tank should have an integrated tamper switch attached to
the tank to create an alarm indication when an attempt is made
to gain access. On larger sites CCTV should be considered.
Gardien also advises that good quality crime prevention signage
should be displayed to deter the opportunist.
Bill Seddon again, "With winter upon us, the onset of serious
inclement weather, the rising cost of fuel and a country still
in the grips of recession, we see the potential for this type of
crime to increase along with other incidents of garden crime. We
strongly advise people to take the time to carry out a comprehensive
review of their external and garden security provision. Garden
Clubs and Allotment Associations should organise themselves in
the same way as the domestic and farming community are doing with
Neighbourhood Watch and Farm Watch schemes. Even Schools are vulnerable
or indeed anywhere where a fuel tank may be sited. We would recommend
consideration, where possible, of siting the tank in a well secured
steel shed.
The Gardien
web site is acknowledged
as a comprehensive resource for advice an all matters relating
to garden crime and is supported by the Police, Crime Prevention
and Community Safety practitioners. It has sections covering crime
prevention advice, retrieval of goods, a Free downloadable inventory
checklist, insurance advice and a range of high quality accredited
and Police approved security products.
JANE THIRSK
Watch Officer
Cheshire Police
Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371
Other Homewatch pages of current relevance: Briefs (recent
crimes in the Macclesfield Division including Bollington, Kerridge
and Pott Shrigley).
If you haven't looked at the homewatch pages before we recommend
looking at the homewatch home page.
