Heating oil theft prevention

donegalboy · 17-03-2008, 17:58

Hi all,
Get your thinkin caps on.
I believe heating oil may have been stolen from my tank.
I rang the local handy man and he says waste of time putting a lock on the lid on top of the tank. He says they simply cut the pipe at the bottom and get the oil out quicker. Hes coming to have a look at it at the end of the week to see what he can come up with.
In the meantime, has anyone any ideas to stop these lowlife stealing home heating oil??
DB

FX Meister · 17-03-2008, 18:04

Jasus, they'd steal anything up there. How about CCTV to catch the vehicle. Surely they would need a large getaway car

**muffler** · 17-03-2008, 18:30

Dont think it makes much difference where you are - it happens. What you need is ideas as to how to prevent it so I will fire this over to the DIY forum where some of the regulars will most likely give you a few tips.

Citizen_Erased · 18-03-2008, 12:25

Well a simple enough idea but put the lock on the top of the cap (thats a given no matter what, go go do it now if you havent already) then install a flowmeter in the pipe a a point higher up then where it is possible to cut off . Im guessing the flow when the system is in use verus the flow when oil is streaming out from a cut pipe is vastly different . Then you have two options then , the higher reading from the flow meter could either trigger and alarm or it could initiate a valve further up inside the pipe to stop the flow of oil ? A combination of the two would be fool proof although there is the issue of how to install it inside the tank so that it cannot be cut.

prospect · 18-03-2008, 12:39

Put a lock on it anyway, then you'll know for sure if it has been stolen.

Get a dog.

**Vegeta** · 18-03-2008, 12:50

If all goes to all they'll just put a hole in the tank I'd say and use a funnel and hose to direct the oil, they don't care if its messy

JamesM · 18-03-2008, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by prospect

Put a lock on it anyway, then you'll know for sure if it has been stolen.

I would say, that's the first move. Then you will know for sure if someone is messing with your tank. If there is no evidence - like a cut pipe or something obvious, is there a chance that you have used it ?
I have never actually come across a case where someone has gone to the trouble and mess of trying to get oil out of a tank. Maybe the increase in price has made it worth while. My experience would be in Dublin - maybe a one off house in the open in Donegal would be easier to access.
Jim.

She Devil · 18-03-2008, 16:36

I used to work for an oil company this was forever the case, its tough when it costs so much, firstly i would advice never fill your tank, that way they can't steal so much! If they are going to do it they will do it, Secondly Install a light near your tank, maybe one that comes on as someone passes ( a sensor light) that will scare them and if they are going to be seen it will make them pick an easier tank ... the locks are obvious i suppose, clients of ours used to have to move the tank or build huts around them with secure locks!

TKK · 18-03-2008, 17:31

Why cut the pipe at the bottom of the tank when one spanner will disconnect it 99% of the time?

The weak points on most oil tanks include the lid, vent, access for watchman probe and of course the outlet. That's a nice few ways to get at the oil before even considering boring the tank. Then there's also the option, if an outside boiler is being used, of getting at the feed into the boiler, at the boiler, without going near the tank.

Like "securing" your house all you can do is make it awkward to get into your tank relative to the next mans.

As regards not filling your tank - this may well end up costing you more in the long term in fuel costs (less litres = higher cost)

DublinDilbert · 18-03-2008, 19:34

Sounds like it would be quite useful if you could measure the level in the oil than, this would enable you to do lots of things:-
1) Log the amount of oil you use on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, which is quite useful.
2) If you differentiate the value for the oil level in the tank you'll be able to see how quickly the tank is draining hence raise an alarm.

Ideally some sort of data logger with a display would do the job... i'm not sure what's available off the shelf but surely there must be something....

blue shimmering · 18-03-2008, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by donegalboy

Hi all,
Get your thinkin caps on.
I believe heating oil may have been stolen from my tank.
I rang the local handy man and he says waste of time putting a lock on the lid on top of the tank. He says they simply cut the pipe at the bottom and get the oil out quicker. Hes coming to have a look at it at the end of the week to see what he can come up with.
In the meantime, has anyone any ideas to stop these lowlife stealing home heating oil??
DB

This is definitely happening in Donegal, my brother got his whole tank drained and he hadn't moved into his new house so insurance wouldn't cover him! It cost him a full tank, he was to move in a week's time last August and had just got it filled up to the top! He now has locks, a dog, lights at the back of the house and an alarm set up in his house, he is thinking about closing the back with a wall and a high gate with strong locks on it!

I have heard recently that tanks are being bored and the oil taken out, they can probably do this very quickly - wouldn't you love to fill it with water and let them take it - I do know of some people that were having their drinks stolen by ..... they pee*d into their pints and I can tell you no more of their drinks were taken!

Do up security and try not to let these people get a cheap fill of oil for themselves, don't know if they are known by the gardai but obviously there is not enough proof to get them.

mukki · 18-03-2008, 23:07

don't put a lock on the tank, they will still take it but by damaging your tank and it will be more expensive and time consuming to get up and running again, and the waste spilled will ruin your garden and maybe your well for years

do as many of these as you can...
a sensor light, security camera, lock your house gates get a dog and only buy €300 of oil at a time

wonder can you extend your house alarm to sense vibrations at the tank

blue shimmering · 19-03-2008, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by mukki

don't put a lock on the tank, they will still take it but by damaging your tank and it will be more expensive and time consuming to get up and running again, and the waste spilled will ruin your garden and maybe your well for years

do as many of these as you can...
a sensor light, security camera, lock your house gates get a dog and only buy €300 of oil at a time

wonder can you extend your house alarm to sense vibrations at the tank

Maybe don't put a lock on it but I am not sure about insurance covering the cost of replacing the oil if it is not kept secure? I don't know about an alarm on the tank, I would be surprised if someone hasn't thought of it by now - the problem would be that animals would or could set it off and it could be a nuisance to other people around!

I would say before long it not already there is a solution to the problem like some type of sensor that is used internally in the house when you are out! Anyway, they wouldn't be that cheek as to take the oil when you are there, so the alarm going off would probably not make any difference to them!

Wonder if a notice to the affect that the area is CCTV'ed and sensor alarmed would make a difference even if you didn't have them fitted, they could be scared off by just seeing a sign like that?

wazzoraybelle · 19-03-2008, 08:58

I think the only way to protect your tank is to clad around it in wood maybe with a hinged top ( felted) with a lock for access. I've certainly heard that these thieves will drill a hole in the tank if it is locked.

viking · 19-03-2008, 21:54

Anyone hear of gas getting stolen from tanks like calor gas tanks? Is it even possible since the gas is LPG and under pressure (I think)...

17-03-2008, 17:58	#1
donegalboy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 88 Adverts \| Friends	Heating oil theft prevention Hi all, Get your thinkin caps on. I believe heating oil may have been stolen from my tank. I rang the local handy man and he says waste of time putting a lock on the lid on top of the tank. He says they simply cut the pipe at the bottom and get the oil out quicker. Hes coming to have a look at it at the end of the week to see what he can come up with. In the meantime, has anyone any ideas to stop these lowlife stealing home heating oil?? DB

18-03-2008, 12:25	#4
Citizen_Erased Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,244 Adverts \| Friends	Well a simple enough idea but put the lock on the top of the cap (thats a given no matter what, go go do it now if you havent already) then install a flowmeter in the pipe a a point higher up then where it is possible to cut off . Im guessing the flow when the system is in use verus the flow when oil is streaming out from a cut pipe is vastly different . Then you have two options then , the higher reading from the flow meter could either trigger and alarm or it could initiate a valve further up inside the pipe to stop the flow of oil ? A combination of the two would be fool proof although there is the issue of how to install it inside the tank so that it cannot be cut. Last edited by Citizen_Erased; 18-03-2008 at 12:44.

18-03-2008, 17:31	#9
TKK Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kildare Posts: 563 Adverts \| Friends	Why cut the pipe at the bottom of the tank when one spanner will disconnect it 99% of the time? The weak points on most oil tanks include the lid, vent, access for watchman probe and of course the outlet. That's a nice few ways to get at the oil before even considering boring the tank. Then there's also the option, if an outside boiler is being used, of getting at the feed into the boiler, at the boiler, without going near the tank. Like "securing" your house all you can do is make it awkward to get into your tank relative to the next mans. As regards not filling your tank - this may well end up costing you more in the long term in fuel costs (less litres = higher cost) Last edited by TKK; 18-03-2008 at 17:38.

18-03-2008, 23:07	#12
mukki Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: c:\documents and settings\mukki Posts: 2,550 Adverts \| Friends	don't put a lock on the tank, they will still take it but by damaging your tank and it will be more expensive and time consuming to get up and running again, and the waste spilled will ruin your garden and maybe your well for years do as many of these as you can... a sensor light, security camera, lock your house gates get a dog and only buy €300 of oil at a time wonder can you extend your house alarm to sense vibrations at the tank Last edited by mukki; 18-03-2008 at 23:10.

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17-03-2008, 18:04	#2
FX Meister Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,019 Adverts \| Friends	Jasus, they'd steal anything up there. How about CCTV to catch the vehicle. Surely they would need a large getaway car

17-03-2008, 18:30	#3
muffler muffleator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Land of the brave. Posts: 24,896 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Armagh, AT Rep, Construction & Planning, Construction & Planning Mods, Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim, North, North West, Tyrone	Dont think it makes much difference where you are - it happens. What you need is ideas as to how to prevent it so I will fire this over to the DIY forum where some of the regulars will most likely give you a few tips.

18-03-2008, 12:39	#5
prospect Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 4,240 Adverts \| Friends	Put a lock on it anyway, then you'll know for sure if it has been stolen. Get a dog.

18-03-2008, 12:50	#6
Vegeta Moderator Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9,405 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Elder Scrolls, Hunting, Shooting	If all goes to all they'll just put a hole in the tank I'd say and use a funnel and hose to direct the oil, they don't care if its messy

18-03-2008, 16:36	#8
She Devil Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Deiseland Posts: 6,378 Adverts \| Friends HMod: COS	I used to work for an oil company this was forever the case, its tough when it costs so much, firstly i would advice never fill your tank, that way they can't steal so much! If they are going to do it they will do it, Secondly Install a light near your tank, maybe one that comes on as someone passes ( a sensor light) that will scare them and if they are going to be seen it will make them pick an easier tank ... the locks are obvious i suppose, clients of ours used to have to move the tank or build huts around them with secure locks!

18-03-2008, 19:34	#10
DublinDilbert Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,166 Adverts \| Friends	Sounds like it would be quite useful if you could measure the level in the oil than, this would enable you to do lots of things:- 1) Log the amount of oil you use on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, which is quite useful. 2) If you differentiate the value for the oil level in the tank you'll be able to see how quickly the tank is draining hence raise an alarm. Ideally some sort of data logger with a display would do the job... i'm not sure what's available off the shelf but surely there must be something....

19-03-2008, 08:58	#14
wazzoraybelle Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 533 Adverts \| Friends	I think the only way to protect your tank is to clad around it in wood maybe with a hinged top ( felted) with a lock for access. I've certainly heard that these thieves will drill a hole in the tank if it is locked.

19-03-2008, 21:54	#15
viking Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Location: Location Posts: 1,387 Adverts \| Friends	Anyone hear of gas getting stolen from tanks like calor gas tanks? Is it even possible since the gas is LPG and under pressure (I think)...