Warning after oil thieves target Creggan homes again

Householders in Derry’s Creggan area are being warned to be on the alert for oil thieves.

It follows thefts from a number of homes in the area in the last 24 hours.

In February last, five homes were targeted in one night.

Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell spoke to one of the householders.

He said: “Sadly it’s not uncommon nowadays to hear of heating oil being stolen from homes. “I was speaking to one of the residents targeted who lives in Rinmore Drive.

“He had 200 litres stolen from his tank and he wanted me to get the warning out through the local media.”

Cllr Campbell added: “Having oil stolen is causing severe hardship to many families who cannot afford to refill their tanks, especially just a few weeks before Christmas. “This type of crime takes time and special equipment such as a tanker or large tank in the back of a van and siphoning equipment. “I would call on people to be observant.”

Cllr Campbell concluded: “If you see suspicious activity in the laneways around a neighbour's house, particularly if there is no one at home, to call the police."