Petrol prices are soaring – and thieves are preparing to cash in, police have warned.

Forces across the North East and North Yorkshire have tackled more than 9,000 fuel thefts in five years, with around 38 a week recorded in the first five months of this year.

Officers issued this guidance in an effort to help the public beat the criminals:

Home fuel tanks

In more rural areas, criminals may see home fuel tanks as an easy target.  Here are some preventative measures you could take to protect yours:

  • Record the number, location, home fuel tank storage capacity and the date/times when tanks are filled - and regularly check levels.
  • Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from the house. Fuel tanks located away from buildings or dwellings are more vulnerable if they can’t be seen by occupants.
  • Ideally, tanks should be within an enclosed compound with secured access.
  • Fit a fuel tank alarm. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.

Read more: Fuel theft rise as petrol prices soar

The Northern Echo: petrol.jpg

Site security

  • Keep field and farmyard gates closed and locked and block exit points that aren’t used.
  • Activate intruder alarm systems, which may have a local sounder or remotely monitored signalling.
  • Install security lighting to illuminate any suspicious activity.

Vehicles and machinery

  • Use locking fuel tank caps.
  • Keep tractors and powered machinery locked and out of sight from roads and footpaths when not in use to prevent thieves draining their fuel tanks.
  • Check that your fuel gauge is not showing irregularities in fuel levels.

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