A MAJOR UK fuel supplies is urging Bridgwater homeowners to ensure their fuel is safe with statistics showing theft of heating oil is on the rise.

Data from Avon and Somerset Constabulary shows that the number of reported oil thefts in the county has risen over the last few years, to around 100 separate incidents annually – four times as many of them happening at domestic properties.

Paul Madge of Calor said: “These figures demonstrate the seriousness and growth of heating oil theft for those living in Somerset.

“It is sometimes assumed that oil thieves only target commercial buildings but in fact residential properties are equally at risk.”