Church's heating oil stolen for second time

The theft of heating oil from a rural church for a second time is a "kick in the teeth", officials have said.

Philip Wallis, treasurer at the Church of St Mary and St Gabriel, in Binbrook, Lincolnshire, said a total of 500 litres (110 gallons) was stolen in the early hours of April 12, following a previous theft in January.

"If we felt it was someone who needed help, then the church would help them, but this just feels mean and nasty," he added.

Lincolnshire Police warned the crime might become more common due to the rising cost of oil and urged residents with tanks "to check them regularly to ensure they have not been tampered with".

Wallis, 68, said a dog-walker called on April 12 to say it looked like someone had been "tampering" with the oil tank.

"There was evidence of wickedness," Wallis said. "There was no oil left in the tank, it had been completely drained."

The church had taken security advice, but it was "difficult" to prevent theft.

"It's vulnerable, as all churches are vulnerable," he explained.

Officials fear the impact of the theft will affect projects within the community.

"It's a kick in the teeth," Wallis said. "We've got so many projects on that we want to get on with, and this just is a distraction and takes funds away from important things."

Church warden Kate Collins, 47, described the incident as a "travesty".

"It's not fair, we all work hard to keep this place going," she said.

"We have volunteers to help us and someone comes along and takes the oil, it's really frustrating."

Rural customers have reported soaring prices of heating oil since the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran. In March, the government announced a £53m support package for vulnerable households.

Lincolnshire Police said people with tanks should take measures such as fitting locks, cages, CCTV cameras and electronic gauges that can raise an alarm if oil levels drop.

"These thefts can be difficult to detect, particularly as the weather gets warmer and fewer people rely on their heating," the force spokesperson said.

"Changes in oil levels may go unnoticed, and while some victims may lose only a small amount, others may find their tank has been completely emptied. For this reason, we urge you to monitor your oil levels closely."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices