Gardaí warn Limerick public to 'protect their tanks' following theft of home heating oil
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The homeowner had been away from home between approximately 8.30am and 5pm
GARDAÍ are warning the Limerick public to protect their tanks following the theft of home heating oil.
The theft occurred in Askeaton, County Limerick on October 22.
The homeowner had been away from home between approximately 8.30am and 5pm.
When she returned, she discovered that the lid of her oil tank had been removed and oil had been stolen.
Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, crime prevention officer at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick city, said: “Heating oil can represent a significant expense for a household, so it’s important to protect your tank.
“Where possible, position the tank within a secure area, ideally with good visibility from the house. Consider a lockable tank cover or suitable security cage, and make sure access points are properly secured. Security lighting and CCTV may also act as deterrents.”
Sgt O’Halloran continued: “It’s worth keeping an eye on your oil levels so you can identify an unexpected drop.”
She explained that some systems have alarms or monitoring devices that can alert homeowners to unusual changes.
“If you notice a damaged tank, a disturbed lid, an unusual smell of oil or signs that somebody has been on your property, report it to Gardaí,” Sgt O’Halloran concluded.