A church has become the latest target for heating oil thieves.

Around £600 worth of oil was taken from a tank at the front of the Ancient Church of East Farleigh near Maidstone some time between 3pm on Monday, January 10 and 10am yesterday, Thursday, January 13.

Churchwarden Barbara Bartlett discovered the theft. She said: "The oil is used to heat the church. It is a great blow for us."

The thefts follow similar thefts in other villages as the price of oil soars.

A 16-year-old and a 20-year-old are due to report back to police today (Friday) after being arrested on suspicion of stealing domestic heating oil.

In Bletchenden Road, Headcorn, oil worth £400 was stolen from a tank, while £950 worth of oil was stolen from Vicarage Road, Yalding.

Another £300 worth of oil was taken from a tank in the back garden of a home in Hunton Road, Marden.

Two thefts totalling £1,500 have been reported in Stockbury, while £250 worth was taken from a home in Grafty Green.

DCI Susie Harper said: "There has been an increase in the theft of heating oil this winter and we want people to be aware that it is happening in rural areas, not just in Kent but across the country.

"I believe heating oil thieves fall into two categories – opportunists using rudimentary equipment to siphon off the oil and organised criminals who have more knowledge about heating oil tanks and have adapted vehicles and siphoning and storage equipment to steal the fuel.

"Information about thefts as they happen is crucial and with the public’s help we have already arrested two people on suspicion of heating oil theft and seized a specially adapted vehicle in Loose, near Maidstone. Inquiries into these are ongoing."

She said householders could take steps to deter thieves:

n Fit a good quality close shackle padlock to the oil tank, which is more difficult to remove with bolt croppers.

n Remote electronic oil level gauges are available, which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full.

n Clever planting of prickly shrubs around the tank will deter thieves.

n Installing security lights and a lockable cage around the tank are also worth considering as longer term measures

Anyone with information about the theft, or who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the area please contact police on 01795 419182 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime number CY/00638/11.

For more information and crime prevention advice call Maidstone Neighbourhood Team on 01622 690390 or email maidstone.neighbourhood@kent.pnn.police.uk.