Swann warns of fuel thefts

Assemblyman Swann is also UUP Chief Whip and North Antrim Chairman. He is a former President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster and former Chairman of the influential Rural Youth Europe organisation.

Mr Swann said that fears of a shortage if drivers threatened to strike over terms and conditions, coupled with the heavier use of fuel during the current cold spell, was already putting pressure on rising prices.

He said the price of heating oil had risen considerably in recent months, adding that heating oil and red diesel were both essential to rural communities.

“It is clear that when the price of oil goes up, rural thieves quickly respond by targeting it. People need to be on the alert for such rural crime. When such thieves strike, they could cost victims up to £1,500 in lost fuel in a single raid.

“Thieves have also been known to return for a second time to steal replacement fuel, hitting rural homeowners and businesses twice as they pay for replacement heating oil or diesel and clean-up costs because of damaged tanks.

“Thieves will often damage tanks in the process of removing the fuel. Leaking oil or diesel can contaminate the soil and water courses and the property owner may then be responsible for any specialist clean-up operation.

“Bearing these consequences in mind, it is essential the rural communities remain vigilant for such criminals.

“I also urge the Stormont Justice Minister to allow the courts to introduce very stiff new penalties for anyone caught in fuel thefts,” said Assemblyman Swann.