A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police mentioned: “Though a motive has but to be established, it’s recognized that used cooking oil has been focused by organised criminals in different elements of the UK to make use of in diesel vehicles.”

“Within the meantime, homeowners and catering managers are suggested to verify premises are safe and used cooking oil is stored in a secure place earlier than it’s collected for recycling.”

Police have issued the next steps to assist shield used cooking oil from criminals

• Ask suppliers for locking barrels. Many cooking oil barrels have a securing ring across the high which could be padlocked to stop siphoning

• Guarantee CCTV cameras and safety lighting are put in to assist deter thieves

• Preserve used oil barrels indoors whether it is secure accomplish that, or guarantee they’re out of attain of opportunistic thieves

• Common monitoring of used cooking oil ranges will point out if a theft has occurred. Alarms will also be put in in containers if it falls beneath a sure degree

What to do if somebody claiming to be from the council, utility firm and even the police turns up at your entrance door or place or work unannounced?

Right here’s some key steps you’ll be able to take to stop burglaries by bogus staff or officers:

• use your door viewer to see who’s there

• should you open the door put the chain on first

• all the time ask for ID and examine it with the corporate or organisation earlier than letting any person into your private home or enterprise

• use the telephone quantity marketed on an official web site or on-line, because the quantity on their id card might be pretend. For a utility firm, name the customer support division. Shut the door whilst you do that

• do not forget that real callers gained’t thoughts checks. If you happen to really feel in any respect uncertain, schedule a time for the caller to return again when a pal or relative is there

• for pre-planned appointments with councils or utility firms, a password scheme could be arrange

All the time bear in mind…”If doubtful, maintain them out!”

Making a report

Please report any suspicious individuals or automobiles in your space through the North Yorkshire Police web site or by calling 101. Even the smallest piece of data can show to be essential in making arrests and securing justice for victims.

If you happen to really feel threatened or in peril by the presence of the caller, please don’t hesitate to name 999 for an emergency response.