Limerick community hall left out in the cold after heating fuel theft

17/01/2024

A CRIMINAL chill was biting in Limerick as the cold spell set in recently, with home heating oil being stolen from a community hall and even a supply truck. Between January 1 and 6, a community hall in the Kilmallock area had its heating fuel stolen when thieves siphoned off almost EUR150 worth of oil. The theft was discovered when the treasurer of the hall attempted to turn on the heating and could not, according to Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station Sergeant Ber Leetch.

“Fuel tank locks are available and are effective in a home setting, but in premises that are unoccupied for long periods of time, a fuel tank alarm is also required,” Sergeant Leetch explained.

On January 6 in Oola, EUR300 worth of diesel was siphoned from a truck that was parked in a business yard overnight.

“I know truck drivers like to have their tanks full before they set off on a journey, but if this truck is to be parked at an isolated location for a period of time before the journey, it is a better idea to fill the truck with diesel just before you set off,” Sergeant Leetch warned.