Residents and businesses across Carmarthenshire in Wales are being warned to look after their heating oil and diesel fuel following an increase in thefts during the last 12 months.

The rise in the price of both heating oil and diesel has seen this type of crime soar throughout the county.

The theft of diesel during the past 12 months has increased by 43% when compared to the same period last year, from 72 to 103.

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And the theft of heating oil has increased seven-fold when compared to the same period last year, from seven to 57.

Now police are urging both householders and businesses to take a few simple steps to prevent them becoming a victim of crime.

Leaflets have been produced, in conjunction with the Community Safety Partnership, offering preventative advice.

Community Safety Officer Constable Rob Chapman said: "In a lot of cases fuel gets taken from vehicles parked in areas that are not secure, we need companies to check their security arrangements and to enhance them where necessary.

"Other companies have taken reasonable steps and this has proved a good deterrent to would-be thieves.

"We are targeting areas where thefts have occurred in an attempt to catch those responsible."

(CD/NS)