Heating oil thefts in rural Rother

FOUR thousand litres of heating oil, worth several thousand pounds, has been stolen in burglaries across rural Rother in recent weeks.

Thieves have targeted properties in Dallington, Brightling, Whatlington, Sedlescombe, Etchingham and Catsfield since the end of February.

Police are urging oil tank owners to increase security following the recent spate of thefts.

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This week officers received reports of 600 litres of heating oil, with an estimated value of £450, being stolen from a property at The Street, Dallington, between March 18-27.

Since the end of February 2,000 litres of oil, with an estimated value of £1,300 was stolen from Mill Lane in Whatlington, 500 litres was taken from North Road in Brightling and 1,000 litres from an address in Harts Green, Sedlescombe.

Earlier in the year two properties were targeted by heating oil thieves in Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, and an address in Church Road, Catsfield.

Sergeant Paul Masterson, of the Battle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The area has recently suffered with a number of heating oil thefts.

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“I’d like to urge all to please report any suspicious activity and if you believe a crime is about to take place do not hesitate in calling 999.

“If you own an oil tank please spend as much as you can afford on a good quality lock, make the area as difficult as possible for a thief to get in and out quickly.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the thefts to call them on the Sussex Police non-emergency number, 101.

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