Alert after home heating oil theft

Homeowners should be aware that winter heating oil is at risk of being stolen.

The alert follows a theft of oil in the Kildare Town area last night.

Gardai are urging the public to lock their home heating tanks.

In the Kildare Town incident, a dog disturbed thieves targeting a tank but they still succeeded in taking the oil.

Experts always recommend a number of safety measures for oil tanks to stop the thefts, including metal cages, sturdy locks, lighting sensors and barriers.

Even thorny defensive plants around the tank such as holly can help.

Householders should report any vehicles in their areas such as unfamiliar-looking large transport vehicles used to siphon the oil into.