Thousands of homeowners in Oxfordshire have been warned to be on the guard from thieves targeting their home heating oil.

There are believed to be at least 15,000 homes which are heated by oil, most are in rural areas of the country.

Suppliers say that due to the rising price of fuel, their delivery trucks have been followed - and drivers have been given specialist training to deal with hijackers.

At least two homes in Oxfordshire have had oil drained from their tanks by thieves in recent months.

During one theft in Wendlebury, near Bicester, thieves drove a truck into a garden at night and raided the tank - taking around £300 of fuel.

A second theft took place in West Oxfordshire though police were unable to release the location.

Mark Nolan, managing director of Nolan Oils in Middleton Stoney, said his delivery trucks had twice been followed by suspected thieves.

He said: "As the cost of oil goes up, it makes it more attractive for thieves to pinch it.

"People have phoned us to say they've used up their oil quicker than usual - and that it may have been stolen. That is the only explanation.

Household oil tanks can contain up to £1,000 worth of fuel.

Mr Nolan said: "We were aware thieves were going for commercial properties but now they are targeting houses.

"We've had lots of customers asking how they can make their properties secure."

Rod Rouse, spokesman for the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, said the number of alerts issued to petrol firms about thieves had increased dramatically.

He said: "It is becoming a big issue. For years it was never a problem but now there is a danger because of the high petrol prices."

Earlier this year thieves drained petrol from 17 cars in Oxford using screwdrivers to make a hole in the tanks.

A police spokesman said: "Nationally there seems to be an issue, but it is not a crime trend affecting Oxfordshire at this time."

Anyone who suffers a theft should contact police on 08458 505505. Anyone with information should speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

  • Oxfordshire's air ambulance is facing a £40,000 budget black hole because of the rising cost of fuel.

Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance said it would have to increase its fundraising.

Chief executive Lyn Paver said the charity's fuel cost was contained in a contract with the firm providing the helicopter. But she feared a 30 per cent rise when that contract expires in October.