Police Issue Advice After Spate Of Oil Thefts

Monday, 7 November 2022 13:34

Police have issued advice to business owners on the Isle of Wight after a recent spate of oil thefts.

Isle of Wight Police recently put a post on Facebook about some cooking oil thefts which had occurred at pubs across the Island, leading to two men being arrested.

Police said:

"Looking at the data for the whole of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight area up to July this year, as a police Force we are seeing a threefold increase in cooking oil thefts when compared to last year.

"Teams are investigating these incidents, however we would also like to offer some additional advice to the hospitality sector.

As well as oil drums being stolen, we know that there are individuals linked to organised crime who are using falsified identification or fake business details to fraudulently collect oil, which is then processed into bio-fuel and sold on.

"However, please be aware that there are legitimate companies who collect cooking oil from businesses."

Officers have issued the advice below from Secured by Design about implementing security measures around this crime type:

Check you are using a legitimate waste collection company. Be wary of bogus collectors touting for their business

Check any ID and make sure they are legitimate before handing over your oil. The waste carrier should be a Registered Waste Carrier listed with the Environment Agency

Inform and train your staff to be vigilant and challenge suspicious people on the premises

If possible, store new and used oils indoors

If you are using an external shed or container make sure it’s secure with a SBD approved hasp and staple with a heavy duty padlock

Where possible, restrict vehicle access to waste fuel areas with the introduction of bollards barriers or a security fence

Look out for each other and be a good neighbour; talk with neighbouring businesses, share information and consider joining the local Pub Watch or Business Watch schemes

It is also worth considering the installation of CCTV and alarm systems, and checking oil levels regularly

You can read more detailed information about security measures, and about cooking oil theft generally, on the Secured by Design website, or on the National Business Crime Centre website https://nbcc.police.uk/.../Cooking%20Oil%20Theft%20FINAL.pdf or https://www.securedbydesign.com/.../theft-of-cooking-oil

If you have information about this type of crime, report it to police on 101 or via the report tool on the www.hampshire.police.uk website.