Businesses warned to stay alert over rising oil thefts

Businesses across the south are being urged to stay vigilant following an increase in oil thefts, with some farms and hospitality venues reportedly being targeted multiple times a week.

Organised crime groups have their sights set on both new and used cooking oil, which has soared in price in recent months.

Another type of oil being targeted is that typically stored in tankers and used on farms and to heat homes and buildings, in rural locations. With fuel and energy prices soaring, police have issued guidance on how to keep such tankers safe.

Here, we take a closer look at the problem and some of the ways businesses can bolster their physical security plans to help lower the risk.

Theft of cooking oil

Any business that uses and stores cooking oil on site is a potential target for criminals.

Companies, such as fish shops and takeaways, are forbidden from disposing of their used vegetable oil by pouring it down the drain. They must instead arrange for it to be collected by an approved waste carrier. What this means is that sometimes the waste oil is stored in large tanks somewhere on site and this has become a prime target for thieves.

It’s thought the trend is being fuelled by soaring prices on the forecourt, with the cost of diesel already exceeding £2 a litre in some areas. Criminals are converting the waste material into unregulated biodiesel for sale on the black market. It is now estimated that up to a fifth of the used cooking oil made in the UK is stolen.

As well as targeting the location the oil is stored in, another scam being used by criminals is to pose as a legitimate waste oil disposal firm to gain access.

Supplies of sunflower oil have also been severely impacted upon by the conflict in Ukraine, pushing prices up to almost four times higher than they were at the start of 2019.

Theft from commercial oil tanks

Another type of oil being targeted is that used to heat homes and buildings. In these cases, the oil is stored on site, often in large tanks. The isolated location of these tanks can make them particularly vulnerable.

Spiralling oil costs are also thought to be leading some rural businesses and homeowners to stockpile, ahead of further price increases that are expected in the coming months.

The police advise the following steps are taken to try and keep oil tanks safe:

• Hide the location of the tank
• Fit your oil tank with a padlock or lockable filler cap
• Secure the oil tank within a cage
• Install lockable gates
• Fit an electronic gauge, which can activate an alarm when the oil level unexpectedly drops
• Fit security lights near to the oil tank location
• Fit CCTV cameras
• Daily checks of oil tank gauges should be made

8 ways to improve security at your business premises

While it is impossible to prevent crime from ever taking place on your premises, it is possible to lower your risk and to make your business a less appealing target.

Whether you’re a hospitality venue, a farm, or any other type of business, it comes down to assessing the potential threats that your individual business may face. Look at these threats and review your current security plans and measures, to ensure they are as robust as they need to be, taking action as required to remedy any weak spots you uncover.

Remember, security threats are always evolving, so it pays to keep on top of things and to ensure your plans are reviewed and updated regularly.

For more ideas, take a look at our blog – What security measures should my business invest in?.  Here are some key steps you can take:

1. Seek the support of a reputable/ accredited local security company who can help you assess and improve your physical security
2. Install a monitored alarm and/or system which is responded to quickly (at Venture our average response time is just 22 mins)
3. Install monitored CCTV cameras and check there are no blind spots
4. Have a mobile security team visit and patrol your site out of hours, at random times, to limit any window or opportunity and deter would-be
5. Install security lighting around buildings
6. Ensure perimeter fences and landscaped areas are maintained
7. Put bars or window locks on windows (at the very least, ground level ones)
8. Get the basics right - use anti-climb paint, never leave wheelie bins or ladders around that may help someone gain access.

Expert security advice for your business

At Venture, we deliver 24-hour security, 365 days a year, for commercial customers located within Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Surrey and Wiltshire. To discuss your commercial security needs, call us on 01264 391538 or email office@venturesec.co.uk

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