Thieves are targeting more and more Shropshire homes and businesses to steal precious heating oil reserves.

The cost of heating oil has increased significantly in the last few months, and the number of reported thefts across the UK has risen sharply.

Dave Williams, of Henshalls Insurance Brokers, in Newport and Shrewsbury, warned householders and business owners to be vigilant.

"The first indication that a theft has taken place is often when the heating stops working - you may assume that the boiler is faulty, but you could well find there is no oil left.

"Thefts vary from small amounts being stolen to the whole tank being drained, and the methods used by the thieves can be very crude, including drilling or punching holes in the side of the tank."

Dave said heating oil stocks were vulnerable to thieves because the tanks were often at the bottom of the garden, or in a remote area of a business premises.

"Although most insurers would cover the theft of heating oil in both private and business policies, you must check the small print and take professional advice. They will want to know that you took every available precaution before they decide whether they will pay out on a claim."

Dave said both domestic and business oil customers should monitor the level of oil in their tank regularly, and should consider concealing the tank itself with hedging, fencing or a wall.

"Think about installing security lights or CCTV to cover the tank, particularly if it is overlooked by nearby buildings, and ask nearby residents to keep a close eye on any suspicious activity in the area.

"You could padlock the valve too, which may deter opportunist thieves, but this could also mean more determined thieves will just smash the valve completely.

"Make sure any gates on your property are locked at night to make it more difficult for someone to escape with the oil and to restrict vehicular access. And think about installing an alarm that will go off if the oil level in the tank drops suddenly, or if the lock is attacked.

"Given the very nature of their typical location, oil tanks are a sitting target for thieves, and with the costs of heating oil rising still further, it's vital that householders and businesses protect their stocks at all times."