Thieves target home heating oil and machinery

GARDAI in Tuam are warning householders to be extra vigilant as thieves may be targeting tanks of home heating fuel, and oil in machinery parked at sites and in yards. In recent weeks, there has been a number of thefts of home heating oil in the North Galway area, and the Gardai warn that this may be only one of a number of areas targeted around the county. Thieves are also targeting machinery parked at construction sites, and in yards, and the owners are warned that the oil thieves may try to siphon fuel from these vehicles. Detective Sergeant Mick O'Driscoll, of Tuam Gardai, is encouraging householders to ensure that their home heating oil tanks are secured with locks, and that where possible, there is lighting in the areas where they are placed. He says those with machinery on construction sites, and in yards, should also ensure that the vehicles are in a secure area where it would be difficult for thieves to siphon oil from them. Det Sergt O'Driscoll says that even though the increase in the number of thefts of oil from machinery and of home heating fuel in recent weeks is small, it is still a worrying trend. He also says that people should ensure that their homes and garages are secure at all times and to be wary of anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of property, especially if the owners are away. 'If in doubt about anyone you see acting suspiciously, be it calling to your door selling stuff, or in the vicinity of a neighbour's house, just pick up the phone and ring the Gardai,' he concluded.