Davies: “Rural communities must be protected from risk of heating oil thefts”

South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies has called for police resources to be deployed to prevent heating oil thefts across Wales.

There have been several reports of oil thieves targeting rural communities across the country in recent days following a spike in prices.

The Countryside Alliance has warned of the risk, with thieves able to drain oil tanks within minutes.

Mr Davies, who chairs the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and represents several rural communities in the Vale of Glamorgan, said local officers must be given the resources and support they need to protect against the threat.

Mr Davies said:

It’s deeply concerning to hear thieves are seeking to profit off the back of heating oil price increases.

Police resources must be deployed towards preventing this and protecting rural communities across Wales.

Officers serving rural communities work incredibly hard, but they need support and resources to protect against this threat.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The original article can be found here.