Police are appealing for witnesses and asking residents in rural rears to be vigilant following the theft of approximately 1000 litres of heating fuel from a residential home near Keith, Moray.  The fuel along with a power washer is believed to have been stolen between midnight and 8 am on Thursday 8th February 2024 from the home which is located north of Keith on the A96. 

Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number CR/0051041/24.

North East Division Crime Reduction Officer Constable Russell said ‘Heating oil tanks have the potential to store thousands of pounds worth of fuel, and are often located in remote areas - this can make them an attractive target for thieves. With spiralling oil and gas costs we can expect to see an increase in this type of crime. Being a victim of heating oil theft is a costly, inconvenient and upsetting experience.

In order to steal heating oil, thieves will usually decant, syphon or pump oil from your tank into other containers. Thieves might use this oil themselves, or sell it on.’

Advice regarding home security can be found at www.scotland.police.uk.  Advice on how to protect your heating fuel can be found at www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/fuel-theft.

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Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.