Concern that ‘local knowledge’ is aiding Leitrim home heating oil thefts

Since our recent report on the theft of home heating oil in the Drumcong/Drumshanbo area, the Leitrim Observer has been contacted about a number of further thefts in residential parts of Carrick-on-Shannon town centre, thefts which have been reported to the Gardaí. 

With the spiralling costs of home-heating oil, thieves are targeting homes and emptying fuel tanks, in some cases, soon after they have been filled and when owners are absent.

One home owner, willing to speak with the Observer, believes that ‘local knowledge’ is being supplied to would-be-thieves, and that this is key to executing swift robberies. 

“It is infuriating, and very upsetting to find that your heating oil has run out, not long after getting a fill. There are a number of effective measures that people can take, apart from the obvious ones of installing sensor lights and cctv cameras in the areas where the fuel tank is situated.

“Firstly, people can inform their neighbours, and the Gardaí, if they are going to be absent from home for extended periods. Gardaí have told us that they will patrol areas more frequently, if informed of absences, and if there are thefts or concerns. Neighbours can look out for each other, by being more alert to sensor lights being on at unusual times and can contact Gardaí if they suspect any suspicious activity.

“Secondly, we would recommend buying smaller quantities of oil more frequently, rather than getting bigger fills. It may be a little more expensive to do it this way, but at least the loss is less upsetting to the home-owner, if it is stolen. It also makes it less worthwhile for thieves, if they have to take risks more frequently, for less valuable quantities! People can also cut back on hedging that provides cover/shelter for thieves,” commented the home-owner.

They said that there are less elaborate and less expensive options available nowadays for monitoring property, via simple and cost-effective cameras, which can be monitored on mobile phones, when alerts are sent to phones. 

These cameras are almost imperceptible to thieves, but can provide very high-quality footage to Gardaí, even in low light. Some of these are no complicated to install and have little maintenance.

“The full rigors of the law should be brought to bear on these thieves, who have no conscience, robbing people, often the elderly and more vulnerable people, during a cost-of-living crisis.

“ Neighbours should take note of number plates of suspicious vehicles, and note descriptions of people loitering around houses, and report them to their local Garda Station.  All it takes is a phone call. They should always report thefts to the Gardaí, they should inform their neighbours; raising awareness of the issue, and doing everything possible to deter thieves. Basically, we need to look out for one other,” the home-owner concluded.

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