On Monday (23/9) the 100 days of action team covering
Cherwell and West Oxfordshire policing areas set up the mobile police station
at Burford Garden Centre to speak to passers by about their crime concerns.
Oil and diesel thefts seemed to have been of particular
concern. Here is some advice and ideas about how to protect fuel tanks.
Alternatively,
OFTEC offer advice and
guidance for those who use and store oil at their premises.
The position of the tank has a significant effect
on its vulnerability:
- If it’s close to the house and
overlooked then a thief may consider the chances of being seen too high.
- If it’s close to the road or other
access points then it will be an easier target.
- Hiding it behind the garage or other
structure is commonplace but can be an advantage to the thief as they are
likely to be well hidden also
- If tanks are to be stored in an outbuilding
then there are strict regulations which must be followed and advice should
be sought from the Fire Service and OFTEC.
More security measures:
- Consider using control switches to
control the flow of oil and isolate the electricity supply when the tank
is not in use.
- Consider using oil level gauge alarms:
These remote control alarms activate if the tank level suddenly drops or
falls below a quarter full.
- Consider using Proximity GSM alarms:
These are battery operated motion sensor alarms, which can alert designated
mobile phones when motion activity has been detected around the tank
- Consider CCTV: This can be set up to
watch over an isolated tank and may be a deterrent.
- Defensive planting is nature's
way of helping reduce crime: Thieves will not want to fight their way
through or over a thorny hedge. Ripped clothing or blood may help the
police identify an offender.
- Consider restricting access to the tank
with walls, fences and trellising. This should be constructed in close
proximity to the tank.
- Consider protecting the tank with metal
cages, grills and guards, these are available with lockable access points.
Ensure someone is available when the tank needs to be filled.
- Closed shackle padlocks offer the most
resistance to the bolt cropper
- Security Lighting: If your tank is
visible from your home, this can deter thieves. Low level “dusk til
dawn" or PIR motion detection lighting can be effective crime
deterrent.
- Remember to check the oil level in your
tank regularly, look for any spilt fuel, marks on the locks or anything
else suspicious.
 |
| Visiting farms offering Country Watch advice |
 |
| Checking tractors fitted out with CESAR security technology |
Tuesday (24/9) saw the
Woodstock neighbourhood team patrol local farms handing out comprehensive crime
prevention packs which cover a number of issues farmers and land owners have
around protecting their farms, machinery and livestock.
The crime reduction
advisor for the area has also spent the week visiting repeat victims of rural
crime to offer advice about their main concerns and carry out farm security
checks and talk about how to better protect property and land from thieves and
trespassers.
Whilst police officers
appreciate farms are busy working environments, they are encouraging farmers
and their staff to secure gates and ensure their farms are not left open to
opportunistic theft by locking vehicles and where possible, keep items which
may be vulnerable, out of sight.
Take a look at our 12
point check list to get an idea of some of the information your neighbourhood
team and crime reduction officer can offer you:
·
Nameplate: is your house/farm sign displayed at the entrance?
·
Fire hydrant: Where is the nearest fire hydrant?
·
Water supplies: Location of available additional water supplies for
example tanks, ponds, rivers
·
Evacuation plan: Is a written animal evacuation plan available at
all times?
·
Dangerous animals: Are stables/ stalls/
fields identifiable if you are not there?
·
Flammable risks: What materials do you have on site and are they
suitably stored away from fire risks?
·
Chemicals: What chemicals are stored, how many and where? Are
they marked with the relevant safety instructions?
·
Fuel/ diesel: Are supplies/ tanks/ pipes clearly marked?
·
Staff: Are your staff aware of emergency procedures and
contact numbers?
·
Housekeeping: Are your electrics, workshops and yards maintained
and kept tidy?
·
Public: Are you hosting the general public on your
property? How many are likely to be present?
·
Agricultural buildings: How many buildings do
you have on the site? What size are they and what is their current use, i.e.
animal, crops, hay, chemicals, machinery?
