Appeal after heating fuel stolen in Kirkwall

Officers in Orkney are highlighting security advice around fuel and heating oil to protect yourself from theft, following a recent report of fuel being stolen.

On Monday, 16 March, 2026, a large amount of fuel was stolen from a domestic tank located near to Willow Road in Kirkwall. Anyone with information that may assist enquiries should contact 101, quoting reference CR/0117672/26.

We would also take this opportunity to remind users to be mindful of their security and make improvements, if necessary.

To steal oil, thieves will usually decant, syphon or pump oil from your tank into other containers.

If possible, lock your tanks and install suitable lighting or CCTV.

If you are able to, locate the tank where it can be viewed from a habitable building.

Fuel tank alarms and monitoring systems can notify you of thefts. They may set off an alarm if the fuel level suddenly drops or falls below a defined level.