The Suffolk rural crime lead has predicted an increase in heating oil thefts this winter and encouraged people not to buy from the black market. - Credit: Charlotte Bond/Norfolk Constabulary

Suffolk's top rural police officer has predicted an increase in heating oil thefts this winter and warned thieves could be following oil delivery vans.

Sgt Brian Calver has shared his "personal gut feeling" surrounding a rise in heating oil thefts in winter, saying that those who had been holding off and waiting for a price decrease would soon succumb to the colder temperatures.

He encouraged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, saying: "if anyone spots a vehicle following a heating oil delivery driver, jot down their registration number and a description of the car so you can report it immediately."

Sgt Calver also said that the perpetrators of heating oil thefts are "unscrupulous people who are more likely to sell to unscrupulous contacts".

However, if you are cold-called by someone trying to sell you heating oil at a discounted price, it is likely the individual will be a rogue trader who should be reported to the police.

He added: "It's also worth bearing in mind that heating oil sold by rogue traders may well contain other contaminants that could damage heating systems, leaving householders with significant repair costs."

Sgt Calver offered his advice for keeping your heating oil safe and deterring thefts:

Unlike gas, heating oil is not covered by the energy price cap. This means it can rise daily and has risen sharply since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

Heating oil, usually kerosene, is also less efficient for heating homes than gas.