Be alert for oil thieves-warns Mc Nulty.

Sinn Fein Sinn Fein Councillor Jarlath Mc Nulty has urged members of the public to make it as difficult as possible for the small number of unscrupulous individuals who are stealing oil in the area.

Cllr Mc Nulty was speaking after being contacted by one elderly resident of Towncastle Road who has had oil stolen from her tank a total of 3 times in the last few of months alone and reports of other incidents throughout the town.

He said,
“These thefts have had a devastating impact on this elderly resident just as other similar oil thefts have on the other residents in the Strabane area who have fallen foul of the actions of the small number of unscrupulous individuals who are engaged in this activity. Apart from the emotional trauma caused to the victims of these thefts, many victims have also been plunged into severe financial hardship as a result. The fact that these oil thefts are not taking place on a large scale is of little consolation to those on the receiving end.

“However, there is no doubt that the instances of oil thefts increase considerably at this time of year, perhaps because the thieves know that most people fill up their tank so as to tide them over the winter months.

“It may be impossible to thwart the designs of the determined oil thief at all times but I would encourage the public to make it as difficult as possible for the “would be oil thief” by taking precautions like fitting a lock to the cap of your tank and by locking access points to the area where your oil tank is located.”