This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
Police are investigating a report of oil stolen from a fuel tank in the grounds of a house in Brighstone on the Isle of Wight.
The owner contacted police after noticing the reading on the gauge of his fuel tank had gone down significantly.
It’s alleged the oil was stolen sometime between Sunday, February 20 and Monday, April 4, 2011.
Estimated 1,700 litres stolen
Sergeant Mark Lyth of the West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “The exact amount of fuel stolen is not known at this time, but it’s estimated to be approximately 1,700 litres. Police are continuing enquiries in the local community and we have given crime prevention advice to the fuel tank owner.
“This case is the latest of several reported fuel thefts in the West Wight. We’re particularly concerned about this crime pattern at a time when people are facing higher fuel costs and financial uncertainty.
“Officers are continuing reassurance visits to remind residents and businesses who store fuel on their premises to check and increase security whenever possible and affordable.”
Country Watch Project
The West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team is part of the Isle of Wight Country Watch project, which is the rural equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch. For more information, go online.
Sergeant Lyth added: “Country Watch’s purpose is to encompass all rural and remote communities on the island to encourage a greater exchange of information, which can stop and solve crimes swiftly and effectively. I’m making a fresh appeal for people to contact police if they have any information about suspected thieves trying to fill up with free fuel at the expense of others.”
Information can be shared with the police through a dedicated email address [email protected]. This email is in addition to the police’s main non-emergency phone numbers 101 and 0845 045 45 45. In a life threatening emergency, always dial 999. If people wish to remain anonymous, phone the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
