FROM SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY, 11th MARCH 2026
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Suffolk Police have issued guidance to residents with heating oil, following current price rises. Thieves have targeted two properties in the Woodbridge area, but officers are keen to give preventative advice to residents across Suffolk — and stress there are steps people can take to keep their oil tanks safe:
| o Screen your tank so it is not easy to see from the road, but please check the current regulations before undertaking any work — oftec.org/consumers/off-grid-guides/your-home-guide-to-liquid-fuel-heating/. |
| o Use CCTV with motion-detection alert to warn you of any activity around your property, and especially your fuel tank. |
| o Use a fuel alarm to alert you of theft — www.e-bound.co.uk |
| o Use a robust closed-shackle padlock to secure your tank — www.soldsecure.com |
| o A secure storage compound around your tank will add extra protection — www.securedbydesign.com provides details of police-preferred specification perimeter treatments. |
Residents affected should report all suspicious activity immediately, and be especially vigilant when a delivery has recently occurred.
If the crime is under way, call 999 — if you are unsure, we would rather hear about it and decide if a theft is occurring. If it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number-plate of their vehicle — for your own safety do not approach suspects. If the crime has already happened, you can report it to us via www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us or by calling 101.
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson said, "Communities should remain vigilant about their own security, and also be wary about rogue traders selling oil at a discounted price. This oil might contain other contaminants that could damage heating systems, leaving householders with significant repair costs."
FROM SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS, 12th MARCH
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We are receiving a number of complaints related to the price and contracts for heating oil. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is driving up wholesale prices for key commodities such as oil. Inevitably, this is having an impact on the prices consumers pay for fuel, in particular the cost of heating oil
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) knows that many retailers behave responsibly and fairly — and that they are likely to face significant pressures from rising wholesale costs, which may impact prices. However, the CMA has heard a number of concerning reports from consumers who rely on heating oil about their experiences with retailers in recent days.
An initial review of complaints has identified two main issues, which the CMA will be probing further:
— existing orders for heating oil being cancelled, and customers then being offered new quotes at significantly increased prices;
— price increases for automated deliveries (triggered when the fuel in a tank drops to a certain level).
The CMA, as a matter of urgency, is writing to a number of firms — both direct suppliers and intermediaries — to seek further information about their practices.
How the review progresses will depend on the evidence — this could include the CMA taking no further action if it believes that consumer protection law is unlikely to have been breached, or taking enforcement action if potential breaches are identified.
If you have been affected by the increase in pricing or the cancellation of contracts, please contact us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on ☏ 0808 223 1133.
Being a valuable commodity it is sadly no surprise that criminals are seeking to profit and there has been an increase in oil thefts. Take the following steps to secure your heating oil:
— Keep your tank visible
— Provide lighting around your tank
— If your tank is fenced in make sure the fence and any gates are secure
— Check your oil gauges regularly
— Invest in an approved tank alarm
Be vigilant. If you notice tankers or large vehicles close to your property — take down any details if you think they may be suspicious, and report to the police by telephone on ☏ 101.
