Last updated 21:58, Wednesday, 06 August 2008

RESIDENTS in Eskdale and Liddesdale are being warned to guard their fuel after reports of thefts from both domestic and business premises.

Police are advising householders and businesses to check the security of their fuel storage areas. This advice follows an increase in the number of fuel thefts in the area.

Incidents have included thefts of diesel from lorry fuel tanks, oil being stolen from garden fuel tanks and diesel being stolen from business fuel tanks.

SPC Keith Brough, of Newcastleton, reported that eight bags of coal, worth £56, were stolen from a secure coal bunker in Buccleuch Terrace.

In another incident 450 litres of heating oil, worth £285, were stolen from a tank to the rear of a house in South Liddle Street.

He said: “There have been thefts of coal, heating oil and diesel over the last month so please can everyone take every precaution over the security of their fuel supplies.

“It’s a growing problem because of the hike in fuel prices. Keep your eyes open and report anything suspicious to the police.”

Acting Sergeant Clark Logie of the operational support unit in Dumfries and Galloway said that while every situation was different, everyone could consider the general advice:

make regular checks of your fuel so if it has been stolen, you are able to contact the police at the earliest opportunity;

make it as difficult as possible for people to gain access to the area where the fuel is stored. You can do this by using fences or gates;

consider fitting a closed shackle padlock to the tap or other areas where the fuel can be accessed;

if appropriate, improve lighting around your fuel tank;

don't store any more fuel than is necessary, so if fuel is stolen the loss will not be so high;

consider fitting alarms or a CCTV system. Get some advice from your crime reduction officer before you buy. They will try and help you pick the best one.

Acting Sgt Logie added: “Probably most importantly, be aware if you see someone acting suspiciously near to a fuel storage area and contact police immediately on 0845 600 5701.”

Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has welcomed shadow chancellor George Osborne’s statement on new measures to tackle fluctuating fuel prices.

Mr Osborne unveiled a radical new plan to soften the impact of future fuel prices on families.

His proposed fair fuel stabiliser would reduce duty when fuel prices go up and raise it when fuel prices go down.

Mr Mundell said: “If this had been introduced in the 2008 Budget, fuel would now be 5p a litre cheaper.

“But if, instead of rising, oil prices had fallen below the $84 forecast in the Budget, fuel duty would have risen. In either case, forecast Government revenues would have been unchanged.”