Businesses and community organisations that keep large stocks of fuel or heating oil at their premises are being advised by police to review their security precautions. The PSNI warning follows several recent thefts and attempted thefts.

Constable Hazel Gray, the crime prevention officer for Fermanagh said the advice applied equally to schools, churches and community halls.

"There's little doubt that the current high price of fuel and heating oil is behind the thefts. We have had several reports recently about incidents at homes, and we know that in other areas, schools and businesses have been targeted.

On Tuesday night of last week, some 400 gallons of oil were stolen from a house at Enniskillen Road, Ballinamallard.

"While homes have been targeted for some time", Constable Gray went on, "it's clear that all sorts of premises, including halls, churches and schools in rural area are vulnerable, and that there is a need for vigilance by local people".

PSNI advice is: if you see a tanker or lorry with closed sides at a location at night or at the weekends, it pays to be suspicious.

"Any concerns can be reported to police, and we are encouraging anyone who keeps large stocks of oil to examine the security of their premises. Ensure that tanks are fitted with a secure lock and that any gates and fences around the premises are also kept closed and locked."

Many of these incidents, it seems, are happening in broad daylight, with vans or any vehicles used. "Anyone seeing a vehicle with a large receptacle on board, plastic drums, tubing or pumps should contact police immediately", Constable Gray stated, " preferably with details such as make, model and registration number.

If in a neighbourhood anyone smells oil, they should take note and check around tanks. There can be a strong smell if the lid of an oil tank is removed for even a short time. An oily film can often be spotted after rain, so, people are asked to keep a look out for this. Spillages of oil will also kill grass or plants, and these can be a sign that the oil tank has been tampered with.

"It is also a good idea to reconsider the location of the tank", Constable Gray concluded, "and to think about relocating away from the perimeter of the property to a more easily observed location. "Tanks are notoriously placed in unobserved areas, so exposing them more will have a deterrent factor to would-be oil thieves if they can be more easily observed carrying out the theft".

Sensored lighting is also another consideration. Many existing external lights are easily converted by the addition of a PIR sensor alone.