The police are urging home owners to take care when it comes to storing heating oil.

Between September 2012 and January 2013 there were 123 reported thefts of the product across the county worth a total of around £90,000.

Rural and remote areas are often the target and guidance letters have recently been sent to anyone in the county who has been a victim of heating oil theft over the past 12 months.

Fuel distributors are also being contacted so that when they deliver oil to homes they can also leave leaflets which contain prevention advice.

The force’s advice is as follows:

Keep your yard or drive gates closed and securely locked.

Ensure gates and fences are in good repair.

Where possible install CCTV, a good quality alarm and security lighting.

Try and keep storage tanks out of view from the general public, but within sight of your home or business.

Regularly check fuel levels so that you can easily spot if the level drops.

Remote electronic oil level gauges can be fitted, which set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops.

Check your oil is covered by your household or business insurance.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Sutton, of Partnerships and Communities, said: “The theft of heating oil can cause considerable distress to the victims and to replace stolen fuel in domestic tanks can cost as much as £2,000 to £3,000.

“Our officers work very hard to tackle rural crime.”