Police have revealed that Suffolk has been hit by a spike in heating oil thefts- with nearly six times as many this year, compared to the same time last year- as criminals take advantage of surging prices.

PC Simon Green, a community engagement officer, said there had been 12 thefts since the start of this year, but at the same stage last year, there had been only two.

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He believed the energy crisis was behind the increase, with rising oil prices making the product a target for thieves.

He added: "We would normally see this theft happening in the autumn when people would be filling their tanks, but we did see it in August and September last year because of increasing fuel costs which made it worthwhile for the criminals to steal small amounts."

READ MORE: Suffolk: Heating oil stolen from rural Stowupland home

He said he was expecting to also see thefts happening this spring because prices were still high.

He recommended a series of measures to deter criminals, including locating tanks close to where they can be seen with dusk to dawn lighting or in a brick building.

READ MORE: Suffolk news