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Tips for heating oil tank security

Heating oil, thieves will usually pump oil from your tank into other containers. Thieves might use this oil themselves, or sell it on. There have even been reports of criminals selling stolen oil back to the victim.

Data from police forces across England suggests heating oil theft is most prevalent in the first three months of the year when tanks are likely to be full and the days are short. However, thefts occur year-round, so it pays to be vigilant at all times.

Keep your tank out of sight

If installing a new tank, you should consider the placement very carefully. Ideally, your tank should not be visible from the road outside your home and should not be placed near any external gates or doors. If possible, install your tank in an area that can easily be seen from your home, so you can keep an eye on it. You could hide the tank in a number of ways.

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Add extra security

Fit a sturdy lock to the fill cap of your tank (and also the vent cap, if possible), and consider installing a security cage or protective casing to your tank and any exposed pipes. Ideally, any casing should be locked with a shackle padlock, which can’t be easily broken with bolt croppers.

Install security lights

Install a movement-sensing security light to alert you to any late-night visitors. A set of strong flood lights would also make a thief think twice about targeting your tank.

CCTV

The cost of CCTV systems has dropped over the past few years, making basic packages more affordable. If you decide to install a system, you should also place a ‘CCTV’ sign on your gate to let any potential thieves know that you are taking measures to protect your heating oil.

Use signs

A much cheaper alternative to CCTV is to place a ‘Beware of the Dog’ sign on your garden gate. Thieves tend to avoid houses that have dogs, as they may bark and attract attention during a theft.

Lock it down

Generally, you should always make sure that any access points to your garden (such as gates, doors or garages) are securely locked when not in use.

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Fix your fences

If there is a hole in your fence, thieves may be able to gain access through it. Make sure that all of your fences are in good condition and replace any low fences with higher versions, to prevent your tank from being seen by passers-by. You should also avoid placing wheelie bins by your fence, as thieves may use these to climb into your garden.

Neighbourhood watch

If you are going on holiday, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your oil tank and report any suspicious activity.

Turn it off

When your tank is not in use (i.e. during summer or when you are away) turn off your boiler and secure any control switches, as this will make it harder for thieves to get oil out of the tank.

Monitor your tank

If you have a good idea of how much heating oil you have and how much heating oil you tend to use, it will be easier to tell if there is a sudden drop in levels.

Install an alarm

Fit an audible tank alarm which will let you know if your oil levels drop suddenly due to a theft or leak.

Add insurance

As with any valuable item, you should check that your heating oil supply and tank are covered by your home insurance.

Reporting a heating oil theft that has already occurred

If you discover that a heating oil theft has already occurred, you should call the non-emergency 101 police number and report the crime immediately.

Make sure to save any relevant CCTV recordings and pass on any other pertinent information to the police. Once you have a crime number, you should get in touch with your insurance provider.

If a thief successfully steals from your heating oil tank, it’s important that you implement extra security measures to reduce the risk of being re-targeted.

For more information visit https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident/

Contact Us Now

Protect your home and your fuel investment. Take action today to prevent heating oil theft. Contact NW Fuels for expert advice and solutions tailored to your needs. Don’t let thieves leave you out in the cold – safeguard your property with our comprehensive security systems.

With our cutting-edge technology and industry-leading expertise, we’ll provide you with peace of mind and a secure future. Act now and fortify your defences against fuel theft. Join the thousands of satisfied customers who have entrusted their homes to NWF Fuels. Get in touch with our team by calling 01829700120 and get a free quote here.

Have a question that you can’t see the answer for? Contact us and let us know.

How Can I Hide My Fuel Tank?

‘Looking to conceal your home heating oil tank discreetly? Whether single or bunded, old or new, discover our innovative ways to effectively hide your diesel fuel tank while maintaining functionality.

Considerations When Hiding Your Fuel Tank

When concealing your tank, several important aspects should be taken into consideration. The chosen hiding spot must ensure safety and compliance with regulations while providing easy access for maintenance and refuelling. Other considerations are:

Prioritise camouflage that doesn’t obstruct the refilling processes
Consideration fpr ventilation to prevent fume buildup
Allow regular maintenance to ensure the tank is kept in good condition
Ensure any ‘enhancements’ that hide your tank do not damage the tank, both during installation or over time

Fence – the obvious option

Installing a fence or at least a screen to hide your oil tank from view is probably the quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to make it more attractive. Wooden panels, bamboo, and reed can all be purchased already manufactured and installed a reasonable price. The fence can then be stained, painted, or coated to extend its outdoor life and improve its ability to blend in with the surrounding area. For ideas and helpful advice, read this Which article on “Garden fencing: what you need to know.”

Consider the need for maintenance to ensure you keep the fence looking good.

Use a Trellis to obscure your heating oil tank

Utilising trellises can be an ingenious solution to conceal fuel tanks, or any unsightly outdoor structure for that matter. When strategically placed, trellises adorned with climbing plants can effectively obscure tanks from view while enhancing any garden.

You have to exercise a little more patience with trellis. This can be a lovely method to make your heating oil tank attractive if you’re willing to wait. Plants can be grown up the trellis once it has been constructed. But consider the kinds of plants and flowers, and learn when they bloom and wither. Climbers and wall shrubs are fantastic choices for attracting a variety of animals and insects to your garden, according to the Royal Horticultural Society and RSPB.

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Grow a Hedge

A hedge is a long-term plan, so definitely don’t start this if you’re only renting your home! Once mature, a hedge has many benefits; its dense leaves will block your oil tank from view in the nicest of ways, and will hopefully be a pleasing colour all year round if you pick the right plant. It’ll also provide a new home for wildlife, such as birds and insects. You’ll need to work out what type of soil you have in your garden first, and how much sunlight the area gets. Have a look at both the Suttons and Thompson & Morgan websites for advice on evergreen hedging and shrubs to enjoy your hedge all year round, and of course make your heating oil tank prettier.

Look at our heating oil tank price guide.

Camouflage Netting

Before spending lots of money on a new camouflage net, why not check out eBay, Gumtree or even a local carboot sale to see if you can grab a bargain first. There are many styles, sizes and colours of camouflage netting – look out for one that ties in with what’s in your garden or yard. It’s also ideal if you don’t have enough space for a fence, trellis or hedge; or if you’re renting and can’t make any permanent changes but want to disguise an ugly heating oil tank.

Paint

Do you own your home? Feeling a bit creative? For that unique touch, why not try painting your oil tank and make a feature out of it? There are many weird and wonderful designs already out there to inspire you; we suggest taking a look on Pinterest for some ideas. Depending on what your tank is made of out, you’ll need to seek advice from your local homeware store and explain what you are using the paint for.

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Place plant pots around your tank

Placing pot plants carefully around your fuel tank, whether it’s a bunded fuel tank or a diesel fuel tank, can take the focus off the tank and draw it to your plants. While it’s essential to ensure that plants do not obstruct access to the tank, they can help soften the appearance of the fuel tank and enhance the surroundings.

The use of plant pots helps avoid having plants with aggressive root systems that might compromise the integrity of the tank or its foundations. Pots also have the benefit of being removable, you can take them with you if you ever decide to move house.

Overall, this simple landscaping technique can help integrate the fuel tank harmoniously into your outdoor space.

Surround Your Fuel Tank with Raised Garden Beds

Ingeniously incorporating raised garden beds around your heating oil tank is a great option to obscure anythign unsightly. This innovative approach not only conceals the fuel tank but can also add aesthetic appeal with the addtion of planting vibrant foliage or fragrant herbs to create a beautiful and functional environment.

If you are considering raised beds, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance between the garden beds and the fuel tank to ensure the tanks’ integrity. As raised beds will likely be permanent, ensure that you keep access to allow for both filling and tank maintenance.

Important Things To Remember

If you rent your property, always speak to the landlord first before making any changes to the property; whether that’s inside or outside
If doing anything regarding your heating oil, always make sure it’s safe and complies with the strict rules that come along with heating oil tanks. Leave a gap for filling and maintenance, don’t add anything flammable etc. British standards require a clearance of 600mm between the tank and any screening. We suggest having a look on the OFTEC website before you do anything.
Make sure that the next time you order heating oil, the delivery driver can still locate your tank, and has safe and easy access to it
We also sell a selection of slimline and low-profile oil tanks which simplifies hiding your tank
All of our suggestions would also work well to hide those necessary but unsightly recycling bags, rubbish bins and water butts too
If you choose any of the plant options, some of these (particularly hedges) will take time to mature and effectively improve the surrondings. The sooner you plant the better – what are you waiting for!

Find out the ultimate guide to oil tanks here.

Why Choose Us?

As a leading provider of fuel tanker services, we understand the importance of maintaining a discreet and secure setup for your red diesel fuel tank.

Our team of experts has shared valuable tips and tricks on how to effectively conceal your fuel tank, ensuring it blends seamlessly with its surroundings. By implementing these strategies, you can safeguard your investment while maintaining the aesthetics of your property.

However, if you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, NWF Fuels is here to assist you. As your trusted fuel tanker supplier, we offer a range of underground and above-ground fuel storage options that not only meet your privacy needs but also comply with industry regulations. Our high-quality products are designed to withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring long-term durability and security.

Don’t let your fuel tank become an eyesore or attract unwanted attention. Take advantage of our expertise and let us handle all your fuel tank concealment requirements. Contact us today to explore our comprehensive range of solutions and discover how we can help you achieve peace of mind while keeping your fuel supply safe and secure.

Category: Tips and advice

Heating oil theft prevention