Thieves who stole oil from tanks in the Lone Moor Road area over the weekend have been described as "unscrupulous criminals".
Sinn Féin councillor Patricia Logue made the comment after reports of oil thefts in the Lone Moor Road and Jacqueline Way areas in recent days.
"The theft of home heating oil seems to be the latest target of unscrupulous criminals. I have been con
tacted by a constituent asking me to warn people living in the Bogside area they could be the latest targets for these gangs," she said.
Colr. Logue said such thefts could leave families in a dire situation.
"With the cost of home heating oil so expensive, having oil stolen is causing severe hardship to many families who can not afford to refill their tanks. It's the last thing anyone needs coming up to Christmas," she said.
The former deputy mayor also called on people living in the area to be vigilant.
"This type of crime takes time and special equipment such as a tanker or large tank in the back of a van and siphoning equipment. If you see suspicious activity in the laneways around a neighbour's house, particularly if there is no one at home, either record identifying markings and registration number of vehicles or call the police. Your house could be next," she said.
The full article contains 245 words and appears in Foyle News newspaper.
