Little Eaton, United Kingdom, June 03, 2008 --(
PR.com)-- Oil tank security is an issue that has never been higher on the agenda. Philip Breek from online oil tank specialist TankDepot, provides practical advice for householders on how to secure their oil tank.
A Derwent Group business, TankDepot benefits from over three decades experience in the supply and installation of oil and liquid storage tanks. In fact, the company has been around long enough to remember the last energy crisis in the 1970s and is ideally placed to offer consumers sensible advice on the issue of oil tank security.
"Firstly, would you leave £1,500 in public view?", asks Philip. "Of course, you wouldn’t. Yet a typical 2,500 litre domestic oil tank can contain up to £1,500 worth of oil. Recognising the value of fuel inside a tank is the first step to securing it.
"Oil tanks need to be accessible, so they can be easily filled. But that doesn’t mean they should be positioned in full public view. Instead, position your oil tank somewhere convenient, yet concealed from nearby pavements and roadways.
"Secondly, fences, trees and plants positioned a short distance from your oil tank can be useful in shielding it from prying eyes. But avoid, positioning trellises or plants too close to an oil tank – there are legally enforceable separation distances between oil tanks and adjacent structures to minimise fire risks. Your local Building Control Officer can provide more advice in this regard.
"Thirdly, your choice of tank is important. There are 2 types of oil tanks - bunded and single skin. Old fashioned single skin oil tanks can be fitted with as many locks as you wish. But whilst they may provide reassurance your tank is secure, the reality is they will deter only the most opportunist of thieves.
"By contrast, a bunded oil tank consists of a tank within a tank. Whilst bunded oil tanks are primarily designed to act as a failsafe in the event of a spill, they are also much more difficult to gain access to, than single skin oil tanks. Usefully every bunded oil tank supplied by TankDepot comes with a lockable manhole lid as standard. And even the largest bunded oil tank today costs considerably less than the fuel stored inside it.
"Fourthly, remember that locks fitted to your tank are only part of the solution. Put yourself in the position of a thief... how difficult would it be to gain access to your oil tank? That’s why it’s important to make sure that any gates on your property are locked and just as importantly, stay locked when not in use.
"Fifthly, most thieves prefer to shun the limelight rather than bask in it. Modern CCTV systems are not just affordable and easy to use. But being wireless, they are also simple to install. Best of all, they can now be easily bought for under £100.
"Sixthly, whilst we’re trying to shed some light on how to secure your oil tank... it’s also worth shedding some light directly on to your tank too! Motion activated security lighting is practical, affordable and easy to install. Just remember to make sure you adjust the position of the sensor, so it activates when someone approaches the tank.
"And finally, remember to monitor how much oil you actually use. There have been cases of householders looking stupid after it transpires their oil hasn’t been stolen at all. Instead, they’ve simply lost track of how much they’ve used and unexpectedly ran out. Remote, electronic oil tank contents gauges can help to make running out of oil a thing of the past... and can help avoid embarrassing conversations with your home insurance provider, not to mention the local Bill.", says Philip.
It’s important to remember that whilst reported instances of fuel thefts are rising, they still remain the exception. As the price of heating oil rises, then victims of heating oil theft are more likely to report the crime which in itself explains part of the reason for the rise.
The fact remains that it’s most unlikely that you will ever have your heating oil stolen. As Philip notes, "For thieves, oil is difficult to handle, difficult to store and difficult to sell on. The market for suspiciously cheap heating oil from dubious sources is at best rather limited. For the average criminal in fact, there are easier ways to make money than stealing your fuel."
However, by reviewing your oil tank installation and taking a few sensible precautions, you can make the criminal’s life harder still.
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