Rocketing oil prices have led to a surge in thefts in Kent.

Figures show a massive 380% rise in thefts of heating oil from homes over the last five years - from just 48 offences in 2007 to 230 last year.

Police say the thefts from oil stored in tanks next to houses is due to a recent rise in oil prices nationally.

Now police are warning homeowners in rural areas – where most people tend to have fuel tanks - to stay vigilant and take precautions to deter thieves.

Sgt Jonathan Stevens said winter is the worst time for this type of theft.

He said: "Victims of oil theft often wake up to a cold, unheated house, thinking their boiler has broken down.

"When they investigate further they realise that it’s the oil that has been stolen.

"At the beginning of winter people stock up their fuel tanks with a view to it lasting over the winter period.

"Therefore there's a higher gain for criminals to steal from a full fuel tank in the colder months than in the summer when there is less fuel in the tanks."

He added: "Most of these crimes are carried out by people using siphoning equipment to siphon off the fuel during the daytime."

Measures homeowners can take can be as simple as putting a plant or fence around the tank to disguise it.

Householders could also invest in an alarm or CCTV.