A MAJOR UK fuel supplies is urging Burnham and Highbridge homeowners to ensure their fuel is safe, after statistics show that the theft of heating oil is on the rise.

Data from Avon and Somerset Constabulary showed that the number of reported oil thefts in the county has risen over the last few years, to around 100 separate incidents annually – four times as many of them happening at domestic properties.

Paul Madge of Calor said: “These figures demonstrate the seriousness and growth of heating oil theft for those living in Somerset.

“It is sometimes assumed that oil thieves only target commercial buildings, but in fact residential properties are equally at risk.”