Brentor’s Police community support officer is Seonaid Greenwood – she can be contacted by calling 101, or by email at seonaid.greenwood@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

Lost Property

police lost property

Theft of heating oil
Dave Chapple, West Devon Police’s Community Support Officer for this area, would like to pass on this good advice:

Could I please let you know about a problem that we might have in the future in our area – THEFTS FROM HEATING OIL TANKS! Your wallet will tell you that fuel of all sorts has got very expensive. Here is some simple security advice to help you stay crime-free and save you a lot of money in the long run.

If your tank is visible from the road, try and hide it. If the thief can’t see it he or she is less likely to target you in the first place – plant some bushes or roses – the more thorns the better!

Put a fence around it or build a block wall (to prevent anyone drilling into the side – and, if you can, put a secure top on it with a good qual­ity padlock. In short anything that means that they have to make a noise or work to steal your fuel will make them think twice about it. This may sound expensive but consider what you paid last time you filled up and then add in the fact that if you are a victim once you are very likely to be a victim again – after all they know where you keep it now!

You could put a padlock on your tank but in some cases a hole has been drilled in the tank so that’s a risk you will have to think about. Another very good idea is a level sensor that will set an alarm off in your home if the fuel level drops more quickly than it should. Prices start at £55 (including VAT and delivery) – I can’t promote products but you can get a lot of information from the internet. I would be very happy to talk to you about this – if I prevent one theft it will be time well spent. Give me a ring on the mobile phone number below. If I am not on duty just leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. A relatively small amount of money spent now could save you a lot in the future.

Telephone 07864 104728 or call the police non-emergency number 101