As temperatures drop and fuel prices continue to rise, members of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) are helping to protect consumers against a worrying increase in heating oil thefts.

In a string of incidents, thieves have targeted unsecured heating oil tanks to steal thousands of litres of fuel, which can then be sold on the black market. Around 1.3 million homes - many in remote, rural areas - depend on heating oil to get them through the winter, paying an average of £900 for 1000 litres of fuel. Farms are particularly at risk, with insurance company NFU Mutual reporting more than 100 thefts of this kind, totalling a value of as much as £50,000.

To combat this problem, members of the BSIA's Security Systems Section (SSS), which specialises in the installation of intruder alarms, have developed a number of tailored alarm systems that can offer protection to external heating oil storage tanks and external garden sheds.

Tim Geddes, Chairman of the BSIA's SSS Section, comments: "Using the latest technology, many of these systems suit areas where there is either no local power or it is too costly to bring in a supply. BSIA members can supply a cost-effective mix of CCTV, intruder detection and mobile guards to help rural homes and businesses counter all types of risk."

Technology developed by one BSIA member includes a revolutionary electronic measuring gauge, which uses ultrasonic level measurement techniques to continuously measure the level of oil in a tank, and will set off an alarm at the receiver in the house when there is a dramatic drop in oil levels.

Tim adds: "This technology can also help to prevent the dreaded situation of running out of fuel, as it provides an early warning when the oil level falls below 10%. Providing this sort of reassurance means that both residential and commercial customers can rest easy over Christmas without the added worry of fuel theft."