March 19, 2026 - 162 views
Residents and businesses in Gwynedd and Anglesey are being urged to stay vigilant after a sharp increase in heating oil thefts, linked to rising fuel costs.
North Wales Police reported a series of thefts in the last three months across areas including Caernarfon, Pwllheli, Criccieth, Amlwch, and Rhosneigr. Officers are warning people to be alert to suspicious activity, particularly around tanks and storage facilities.
The spike comes amid rising kerosene prices, driven by global instability, including conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil supplies and pushed up costs for households reliant on off-grid heating. For many rural homes in North Wales — where mains gas is unavailable — oil remains the only option for heating and hot water, making these communities particularly vulnerable to both price shocks and theft.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently announced over £50 million in support for low-income families using heating oil, aiming to ease the financial burden. In Wales, households can also apply for help through the Discretionary Assistance Fund, which offers grants to those facing immediate fuel hardship.
Local security experts advise heating oil users to take precautions such as installing tank locks, security cameras, and lighting, and to report any suspicious vehicles or activity immediately. Theft of heating oil not only adds financial strain to already stretched families but can also leave homes without heat during colder months, compounding health risks, especially for children and elderly residents.
Community leaders in North Wales have emphasised the importance of vigilance. “Many of our rural communities rely on heating oil, and the impact of theft is very real — both financially and in terms of safety,” said a spokesperson from a local residents’ association.
With prices remaining volatile, households across Gwynedd and Anglesey are being encouraged to check security measures and take advantage of available financial support while police investigations continue.
