Essex Crimestoppers wants to put the freeze on the increasing number of heating oil thefts from homes in the county.

Anyone who has information about thieves who steal heating oil from homes in the county, can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, without giving their name or other identification. And they could be in line for a reward.

So far this year £27,964 of heating oil has been stolen from 61 homes in raids across Essex. Thieves drill tanks to get the oil or siphon it. With heating oil costing around £323 for 500 litres thieves are cashing in on the increasing price and householders are paying dearly.

Who's siphoning and drilling tanks for oil?

If anyone can identify anyone acting suspiciously at homes with oil fired central heating, are offering cheap heating oil or know anyone who is stealing or selling the oil, they can contact Crimestoppers without fear of being indentified themselves.

Ann Scott, Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, said: “Contacting Crimestoppers is about what you know, not who you are. You don’t have to give your name and your call isn’t traced or recorded. You won’t have to go to court or give a statement to police.”

She urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to pass it on.

Rewards can only be claimed by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be given using our anonymous online information giving form but rewards cannot be claimed if the giving information form is used.