Thieves using wheelie bins to steel home heating oil

POLICE are on the trail of thieves who are targeting homes in south east Belfast to syphon off home heating oil.

In one incident, the home of an elderly pensioner was targeted and her oil stolen.

The PSNI say there have been several incidents in the Mount Merrion/Flush area where a wheelie bin has been used to transport stolen heating oil.

Crime prevention officers have advise householders to be mindful of their tank security and access to bins.

Said the PSNI: “Perpetrators of this crime have no regard for the impact that this has on victims.

“In this recent incident, a vulnerable senior citizen has been left without heating oil, when temperatures are close to freezing.

“If you have any information, please contact Police or Crimestoppers.”

PSNI Castlereagh can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 080 555 111