James Connell FUEL tanks containing more than £2,600 of oil for central heating have been raided in a spate of thefts in rural Worcestershire say police.

The first theft took place between 6pm on Friday, December 10, and 10am on Friday (December 17) at a property at Besford Bridge, Pershore. Around £400 of heating oil was taken from a tank.

A second theft happened between noon on Monday, December 13, and 6.30pm last Wednesday (December 15), also at an address in Besford Bridge. Around £450 worth of oil was taken.

The third incident took place at a house in Chevington Lane, Drakes Broughton, between 10pm on Monday, December 13 and 9am the following day. Around £900 worth of oil was stolen.

Around £900 worth of oil was stolen from a property in Woodfield Lane, Ombersley, in a fourth theft between 11pm last Wednesday (December 15) and 8am the following day.

Chief Inspector Jerry Reakes-Williams said: “It is very sad that when most people are pulling together to help each other during this cold weather, a small minority are committing these offences.

“We are appealing for any information on any suspicious vehicles or people seen in the areas at the times given but would also remind people to secure their tanks as much as possible and, of course, remain vigilant.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

* A man in his 20s was arrested after the white Ford Transit van he was driving was stop checked by police on the B4084 Stoulton to Worcester Road on December 13. He was arrested on suspicion of theft. Enquiries are ongoing.