By Adrian Mullan

The family of a Victoria Bridge woman who recently suffered a stroke, were horrified to find that her oil had been stolen while she was in hospital.

On July 7, the 83-year-old ordered £300 worth of home-heating oil but, just over a week later, she was admitted to hospital. Her daughter visited the Victoria Bridge home shortly thereafter and ensured that the heating was turned off.

The heartless thieves struck sometime during the six weeks when their victim was in hospital and, when she returned to her home at the weekend, she found that her oil tank had been completely drained.

Her family has checked the tank for any signs of leaks or breakages but there were none, nor was there any sign of oil having been spilled.

The matter was reported to police, who visited the site but it is understood that no arrests have been made.

Speaking to the UH this week, the victim's daughter, said, "It's a very low thing to do on anybody at any time, but particularly when a person is in hospital recovering from a stroke."

The incident occurred at Breen Park in Victoria Bridge, and the daughter of the victim was at a loss to explain how the thieves could get at the oil tank without having been noticed, since her mother lives in a little cul-de-sac.

Thankfully, the woman is making an excellent recovery and has her speech and full use of her limbs.

Police have said that they are aware of a number of thefts of oil and diesel from homes and businesses and have urged the public to be vigilant. A spokesperson said that some thieves may be using vehicles specially adapted to the task, possibly even tankers, others appear be filling drums using an electric pump.

"If you see anything suspicious, for example, an oil tanker at your neighbour's house when you know that they got oil just the week before, note down the registration of the vehicle and any other details and contact the police.

"Much of this type activity goes on under the cover of darkness but very few oil suppliers deliver late at night. People should try to ensure that oil tanks are locked and be vigilant. If you observe any suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood, do not hesitate to call the police."