How to reduce the risk of fuel theft Fuel theft is a significant and wide-ranging crime problem that affects many different areas, people and businesses across the UK, including farming, motorists, homeowners, the construction industry (including the marine construction sector) and suppliers. The impact of this type of theft on people and the economy is significant and wide-ranging and is exacerbated during periods of inflated oil prices. Our advice offers best practice for you to follow, alongside practical crime prevention methods and includes links to Secured by Design member companies that can offer products designed to reduce the risk of fuel theft. These products have been tested and certified to meet the exacting standards you would expect from the products meeting the preferred police specification. Download PDF Guide There has also been a run of cooking oil theft in some communities, to read more on how to reduce your risk of this crime, check out our 'Theft of cooking oil' advice. Reform of Fuel UseThe UK government announced at Budget 2020 that it will remove the entitlement to use red diesel and other rebated biofuels for most uses from April 2022, other than for specific purposes. This means users of heavy plant machinery and equipment such as non-road mobile machinery like dumpers, power generators and excavators, predominately but not exclusively from the construction sector, will no longer be able to run on red diesel. While the government does not anticipate reforms to red diesel use will lead to white diesel theft at scale in the affected industries, fuel users storing diesel in tanks or in vehicles and machinery on their site(s) should continue to take steps to ensure this is stored securely. Theft from Fuel TanksStatic above ground fuel tanks and mobile bowsers are most at risk of fuel theft, both domestic heating oil tanks and diesel tanks on farms and construction sites. Theft techniques include syphoning the fuel into a plastic container or using a fuel transfer pump to steal from larger bulk vehicles, or in the case of browsers, driving off with them when they are out on site. Damaging the tank during the theft process and the subsequent environmental consequences is the least of these criminals’ concerns. In addition to causing damage to the tanks themselves by smashing the supply pipes, valves or puncturing the tank, these thieves often create environmental issues when the remaining fuel leaks into the ground, resulting in high clean-up costs. Vehicles and onsite machinery are also at risk, especially overnight, and fuel theft can lead to costly delays. How to secure your fuelThere are a number of steps that you can take to reduce the risk of falling victim to fuel theft. These include: 1 Implement management systems: A fuel Management system can be crucial to identify fuel theft, especially where there may be many users or the tank is located out of sight. A good fuel management system should enable the owner to accurately record the users, date and time of use, provide the first line of defence against unauthorised use via a key fob, code or similar and constantly monitor fuel levels (crucial when the tank is refilled as theft can take place during this process). 2 Keep the tank visible: Where possible locate the tank where it can be viewed from a habitable building and where increased natural surveillance can be maximized, such as insight 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. 3 Reduce access points: Keep access points to the fuel depot on sites to a minimum, keep gates closed and locked and block exit points that are not used. 4 Use SBD approved standards: Consider the introduction of perimeter fencing and associated gates to LPS 1175 issue 8.1 A1 (SR1) or above standard, subject to a location security risk analysis to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Where gates are secured by a padlock or a similar locking mechanism, ensure that it meets a Secured by Design (SBD) approved standard. Where compounds, gates and other features are secured by locks that require keys, ensure that there are adequate key control measures in place to prevent uncontrolled key removal, substitution of the lock itself or copying of such keys. 5 Fit an alarm : 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. Where fuel tanks are in remote locations, we recommend that they be housed in a secure alarmed steel container. 6 Use anti-siphoning devices : Fuel tanks should also be fitted with a locking fuel cap and anti-siphoning devices. Anti-siphoning devices are installed in the filler aperture of the fuel tank to stop a pipe from being dipped into the fuel and the fuel being pumped or syphoned out of the tank. These products also work on HGVs or construction plant, as well as on static on-site fuel tanks. Always ensure you use an accredited lock that meets the Police Preferred Specification. 7 Consider a detection system : On high-risk exposed sites, an additional detection system should be considered such as a Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS). SBD currently accredits a number of fencing manufacturers and installers who between them can provide fencing solutions for all situations and circumstances. 8 Restrict access : Where a perimeter treatment is not a suitable option, consider the introduction of bollards or other vehicle mitigation measures which will help restrict easy access to the fuel storage asset. | 
