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Trusted by over 500,000 customers for 20+ years
Written by
Shaun Curtis
on 31 Mar 2026
and updated on
31 Mar 2026
Categorised in
Tips and Advice
Sometimes, living in a rural location can be a double-edged sword for those relying on heating oil for their central heating and hot water. With prices increasing, there may a risk of an increase in heating oil and fuel thefts across the UK. In some cases, prices have more than doubled to over 130p per litre, influenced by the ongoing US - Israel conflict with Iran.
Theft tends to be more common in winter when oil tanks are full, but it can happen at any time of year. It's often hard to tell how much has been taken unless you've been keeping a close eye on your oil levels. Typically, thieves use a tube to siphon oil into portable containers, although more recently they've been using pumps to transfer it into larger tanks fitted to vehicles.
In the process, they may also cut supply pipes or damage oil level gauges, which can cause additional leaks. Cleanup can be costly, and unless you can prove oil was stolen and the damage was caused by theft, your insurance company may not cover the loss.
If you need help in preventing heating oil theft, you may find some of the following hints helpful.
Try to position your oil tank out of sight from the road but still visible from your home, and avoid placing it near gates or footpaths. Keep access points secure and maintain fences and walls. You can also use a cover or house the tank in a large building to reduce visibility. If adding plants, choose carefully and avoid obstructing access. Always follow OFTEC fire safety regulations and ensure the tank remains accessible for deliveries.
Get closed shackle padlocks which are difficult to cut with bolt croppers and lock up your tank, as well as any nearby access gates. Invest in a locking fuel cap and anti-syphoning device to deter the casual criminal. Make sure the locks are of good quality, such as locks that have a CEN or BSEN, 12320 Grade 6 classification, which offer maximum security.
Consider putting a security gate or secure fencing around your oil tank to make it difficult for thieves to access your oil tank.
Many thieves strike at night so invest in security lighting that is triggered by motion and automatically lights up your oil tank. Another option is low energy dusk-til-dawn lights which are more cost-effective. If the lights are bright enough, you are likely to see them from your house and will be able to report a theft in progress to the police.
CCTV is a great preventative measure, as it is visible and likely to deter thieves, but if a criminal is determined, CCTV will help you catch them in the act. However, make sure you use signage that advises you are using CCTV cameras for any evidence to be admissible.
A heating oil tank alarm can be fitted to your tank and will notify you if anything happens. An SFS Oil Tank Bund Alarm is a cost-effective alarm that alerts you if there are any leaks or water ingress. Leaks are detected immediately and will sound an alarm right away to avoid damage. When combined with our Smart Monitor, you are also able to monitor the level of oil in your tank on a regular basis.
However, an alarm is not going to prevent your oil from being stolen unless you put a sign up stating that your tank is alarmed. You can also install alarms on your house and any access gates, as well as an outbuilding if that is where your oil tank is located.
Gravel is noisy when walked upon and is enough to deter thieves. Adding a layer of gravel around your tank is a quick, easy and cost-effective deterrent. Anyone walking on the gravel will draw attention to themselves and protect you from oil theft.
While green plastic tanks are more favourable and often cheaper, they are more prone to damage and can be accessed faster by thieves. A steel tank is not only sturdier, they are far harder to damage without making a lot of noise, making the theft of fuel much more difficult.
Make it harder for criminals to damage the hoses and pipes leading in and out of your heating oil tank by wrapping them in hard covers. The harder they are to cut, the less likely your oil will be stolen.
If you live in an area that has a neighbourhood watch scheme, join up and get involved to prevent oil thefts in the area.
Improve oil tank security with this locking fill cap, protecting your high-value fuel from being stolen.
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Monitor your heating oil levels and track usage with our Smart Monitor through the BoilerJuice App.
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Battery-operated heating oil tank alarm that checks and alerts you to leaks or water ingress.
Shop NowMake sure your heating oil is covered under your household insurance, and if the unthinkable happens, you should be able to make a claim to replace not just the lost oil, but also cover the cost of any repairs to the damage thieves may have done.
However, insurance companies may expect you to install some preventative measures, such as tank alarms, security lighting, and other deterrents, to try to stop your heating oil from being stolen.
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