Heating Oil Thefts

The North East Crime Reduction Team would like to highlight the rise in fuel thefts following the dramatic recent increase in fuel prices.

We are also appealing for witnesses and asking residents in not only rural rears, to be vigilant following the theft of approximately 2000 litres of heating fuel. 

Fuel was taken from a domestic tank located at a property in the Dyce area of Aberdeen between the 9th and 10th of March 2026. Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 1510 of 11/03/2026.

Fuel was taken from a domestic tank located at a property in Oldmeldrum between during the evening of 12th March 2026. Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 1814 of 12/03/2026.

Fuel was taken from a domestic tank located at a property in the Culter area of Aberdeen between the 4th and 16th of March 2026. Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 1088 of 16/03/2026.

Fuel was taken from a domestic tank located at a property in the Skene area of Aberdeenshire between the 16th and 17th of March 2026. Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 0596 of 17/03/2026.

Fuel was taken from a domestic tank located at a property in the Laurencekirk area between the 17th and 18th of March 2026. Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 0316 of 18/03/2026.

Heating oil tanks have the potential to store thousands of pounds worth of fuel, and are often located in remote areas - this can make them an attractive target for thieves. 

In order to steal heating oil, thieves will usually decant, syphon or pump oil from your tank into other containers. Thieves might use this oil themselves, or sell it on.

Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from a habitable building and where increased natural surveillance can be maximised, such as in sight of a farmhouse or construction site offices, especially the security office if it is occupied during the night. Fuel tanks located away from buildings or dwellings are more vulnerable if they cannot be seen by occupants or staff, especially if vehicular access is not restricted. 

Fit a fuel tank alarm and monitoring system to notify you of an attack on fuel tanks. Remote electronic fuel level gauges will set off an audible or monitored alarm if the fuel level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.

Advice on how to protect your rural property can be found in the attached guide.

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.