Police in Angus have urged residents to be vigilant after £1,000 of heating fuel was stolen from a house at Letham Grange, by Arbroath.
The theft from an external tank happened some time between Thursday November 27, and last Saturday when the crime was discovered.
Police want householders with external fuel tanks to check them regularly and make sure they are not caught unawares and with no heating should thieves strike.
They have also asked homeowners to take some sensible crime prevention measures.
Deterrent measures include installing a metal cage around the tank with a secondary lockable access hatch to the filler cap and using high-quality locks with a closed hasp.
Householders should consider CCTV and security lighting, preferably motion sensor and/or alarm activating systems; and fitting remote operated oil level gauges that set off an alarm if levels drop suddenly.
Also, make regular checks of the tank, whether for fuel spills, signs of damage or suspicious objects nearby.
