250 litres of oil stolen

William Hay said: "There has been a spate of thefts across the city and rural areas.

"I have been in touch with the police about this and would urge home-owners to take extra care, and for people to keep an eye on each other's property.

"It's my belief that, as I know of a number of people whose tanks were targeted by thieves just after being filled, gangs are following delivery vehicles so they can easily target homes where they know they can get plenty of oil."

Meanwhile, two hundred and fifty litres of oil was siphoned from a tank at the rear of a house in the Culmore area of Londonderry just before Christmas. Police are appealing for information.

A police spokesperson said: "Approximately 250 litres of oil was stolen from a tank to the rear of a house in the Ardnalee area sometime between December 18th and 22nd.

"The suspect was possibly wearing wellington boots and may have been carrying large drums from the back yard to the front of the house."

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000 or a member of your local Neighbourhood Team directly – details can be found on the PSNI website.

Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously through the 'Crimestoppers' charity on freephone 0800 555 111.