8th February 2012
Households in rural parts of Wales might want to consider switching to electric central heating after a media outlet reported heating oil theft is becoming a growing problem.
According to figures obtained by BBC Wales following a Freedom of Information request, there were 364 thefts of this kind across the country during 2011. This means that statistically, there was about one incident per day last year.
The figures for 2011 mark a contrast to the state of affairs in 2007, when just 68 thefts were recorded.
However, analysts believe that while the number of reported incidents has gone up over the last few years, the actual extent of the problem could be bigger than official data suggests.
Nicola Whittaker, spokeswoman for insurance company NFU Mutual, said this is because some victims may be unaware they have been targeted by thieves, as they would only spot fuel has been taken if their tank is damaged or has only recently been filled up.
Speaking to BBC Wales, she speculated that the problem is growing because the cost of oil has been rising in recent years. As a result, rural households with oil tanks will be in possession of what criminals regard as an increasingly valuable resource.
"Heating oil is a lucrative commodity for thieves when the market value peaks," Ms Whittaker commented.
"As such, we are advising people to treat their supply like liquid gold."
Alternatively, consumers in rural parts of Wales may wish to adopt electric central heating instead of using oil. This is a safe and reliable option that could make homes less likely to be targeted by criminals.
Ms Whittaker noted that houses in the countryside are especially susceptible to heating oil theft as "they are the ones not on the gas mains supply".
She added that the problem started becoming more widespread in late 2010, as the cost of oil went up by nearly three-quarters at this time.
Posted by Adam Simmons
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