The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has issued a warning about what it describes as a growing problem of fuel theft affecting households and businesses across Northern Ireland/The North.
Party representatives say increasing numbers of people are reporting incidents where heating oil has been stolen from domestic tanks, leaving families facing significant financial losses.
Fuel theft has long been an issue in rural areas, where homes often rely on outdoor oil tanks to supply heating systems. With heating oil prices fluctuating in recent years, some households have become targets for criminals seeking to siphon fuel.
The UUP said it has been contacted by constituents who discovered large quantities of heating oil missing from their tanks, sometimes overnight.
Party representatives warned that the thefts can have serious consequences, particularly during colder months when families depend on heating oil to warm their homes.
They are urging residents to take preventative measures such as installing tank locks, security lighting and monitoring systems to help reduce the risk of theft.
Fuel theft not only causes financial hardship but can also create safety hazards if tanks are damaged or improperly accessed during the theft.
The issue has also raised concerns for farms and small businesses, which may store large quantities of fuel on their premises.
Political representatives say tackling the problem will require cooperation between communities and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Residents are being encouraged to report suspicious activity around oil tanks or fuel storage areas to police.
The UUP said raising awareness of the issue is an important step in helping communities protect themselves against theft.
As energy costs remain a major concern for many households, the loss of heating oil can represent a significant financial setback for affected families.
The party says continued vigilance and improved security measures could help reduce the number of incidents reported across Northern Ireland/The North.
