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Expert Advice to Prevent Fuel Theft Onsite

Discover our guide to preventing fuel theft at homes and commercial premises. To learn more about how we can help to protect your fuel, call 0330 123 1144 today and speak to our fuel experts.

Why is fuel theft on the rise?

With global oil prices increasing, supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions, fuel is becoming more expensive for consumers across the UK, resulting in a rise in thefts. Higher fuel value makes it a more attractive target for thieves, with criminals taking aim at commercial sites, domestic fuel tanks and parked vehicles.

What are the costs of fuel theft?

For businesses that rely on fuel to keep their operations running, or for off-grid homes that require fuel for heating or power generation, theft can result in significant financial loss, operational disruption and power outages. Therefore, taking proactive steps to secure your fuel storage and monitor fuel levels is becoming an increasingly important part of effective fuel management.

Who is most at risk of fuel theft?

While all consumers should be vigilant to protect their fuel, users who are most at risk include:

• Construction sites
• Farms and agricultural businesses
• Haulage and logistics depots & HGVs
• Backup generators
• Remote or unmanned fuel sites
• Homes in rural areas

Common fuel theft scenarios

• Tanks siphoned overnight
• Fuel stolen from parked cars
• Internal theft by drivers or staff
• Tank drilling to drain fuel
• Organised theft by criminal gangs
• Fuel line tampering
• Theft during fuel delivery
• Abusing fuel cards to fill up personal vehicles

Measures you can take to help prevent fuel theft

There are several preventive measures that can be put in place to help secure your fuel storage tanks, which can help prevent the theft of your fuels and oils. But it has to be understood that even the most determined of thieves will find a way, unfortunately.

However, many of these measures used collectively should be enough to put off the vast majority of opportunist thieves, many of whom will not want to spend too long trying to access your tank and fuel.

It’s unfortunate for other people, but if other homes or businesses in the area also have stored fuels and oils on site. They are likely to move on to find an easier target if they have too much difficulty accessing your storage tank.

1. Secure your tank with anti-theft devices

The simplest step you can take to protect your fuel tank is to install anti-theft devices to deter thieves by making the process of theft more awkward and frustrating. By slowing thieves down in their pursuit of your fuel, you are increasing their risk of being caught, which may be enough to stop them from attempting the theft in the first place.

Effective anti-theft devices include:

• Alarms
• Anti-siphoning devices
• Armoured tank covers
• Cameras
• Lockable fuel caps
• Motion-triggered lighting

2. Monitor and track fuel levels

Greater visibility of your stored fuel will enable you to identify fuel theft more effectively, including the time it occurred and the culprit of the theft (if the theft was conducted internally). We supply and install tank telemetry monitoring systems, which allow you to view your fuel levels remotely on a tablet or mobile device by uploading the data to the internet via cellular technology. Our monitoring systems give you complete visibility of your fuel consumption and provide theft and leak alerts in the event of sudden drops.

3. Use anti-theft markers

Anti-theft makers, such as Diesel Secure, make stolen fuel easier to trace by altering the colour of the fuel and acting as a deterrent to thieves. Anti-theft markers stain the interior of tanks and engines, which means thieves can be caught even after using the stolen fuel.

4. Install fencing, bollards or security cages

Strong fencing, anti-vehicle bollards and security cages all strengthen the perimeter of your fuel tank by making it harder for thieves to access, greatly reducing the chance of theft.

5. Invest in outdoor security lighting

Most thefts are committed at night when there is less chance of being caught in the dark, when there’s generally poorer visibility and fewer onsite staff around. Security lighting combats this by illuminating any suspicious activity to create a more intimidating environment for any thieves, reducing the chance of your fuel being targeted. Motion-triggered lighting may also startle them or make it easier to catch them in action.

6. Monitor the area with CCTV

CCTV around your premises adds an extra layer of security and may dissuade any thieves due to an increased risk of getting caught. It also helps to identify criminals, which may be useful for the police or when conducting internal investigations of your staff.

7. Display signage around your site

Highlighting your security measures reinforces that your tank is harder to steal from, which creates further deterrents. CCTV signage can also make thieves aware that they are being watched and more likely to be caught.

8. Train staff to prevent and identify theft

While your security measures will act as a great deterrent for thieves, training staff is essential to improve their effectiveness. Staff should always be vigilant and check tanks regularly, record deliveries and usage, and encourage reporting of suspicious activity. Training staff will also make them aware that you’re monitoring your fuel levels and discourage them from conducting theft themselves.

9. Consider your tank location

If feasible, relocating your tank to a safer location is also a great way to prevent theft. Your tank should be:

• Away from any roads, paths or driveways
• In a structurally safe location which meets fire and environmental regulations
• Visible from your home or office windows
• Behind barriers in a lockable cage
• In a well-lit area

Protect your fuel tanks today

If you’re concerned about fuel theft at your site, we’re here to help. Whether you need an anti-theft marker, storage tank accessories or a telemetry monitoring system, we can help protect your fuel storage to minimise the risk of fuel theft at your home or site.

If you’re worried about the security of your fuels and oils, and would like to discuss the options available for upgrading your fuel storage tank or the security of your existing storage tank. Call 0330 123 1144 our fuel experts today.