How to Protect Your Fuel Storage from Theft
Rising fuel costs are increasing the risk of fuel and oil theft across commercial and industrial sites. As fuel becomes more valuable, on-site storage becomes a more attractive target.
In light of these rising costs, businesses should be asking a simple question: are our fuel assets protected?
Why the Risk is Increasing
• Higher fuel prices increasing asset value
• Greater volumes stored on-site
• Remote or lightly monitored locations
Where Sites Are Most Vulnerable
• Unsecured tanks
• Poorly lit or isolated areas
• Lack of monitoring or alarm systems
• Vehicles and tankers left in exposed positions
Fuel costs continue to rise across the UK, placing increasing pressure on supply and infrastructure. There is also growing discussion around potential fuel restrictions.
As fuel becomes more valuable, on-site storage becomes a more attractive target for theft.
Key Protection Measures
A layered approach to security can significantly reduce risk:
• Padlocks and secure access systems – high security options such as CN6-rated padlocks provide maximum resistance to forced entry for high-risk sites
• Motion-activated lighting
• Steel tanks and reinforced units
• Tank and perimeter alarm systems
• CCTV systems
• Parking vans and tankers in well-lit, visible areas
• Additional perimeter fencing
Aftermath of Theft
The impact of fuel theft is not limited to the loss of fuel itself.
Incidents can also result in:
• Damage to tanks, pipework and infrastructure
• Costly repairs and replacement
• Operational downtime
• Environmental risks caused by leaks or spills
In many cases, the secondary damage can exceed the value of the stolen fuel.
A well-lit, padlocked steel tank with additional fencing is just one of the ways to protect your assets from fuel theft.
1500-litre Red Diesel fuel spill following a theft from a storage tank. The fuel had entered an adjacent stream which fed into a private fishing lake and local river, all of which were designated habitats for protected species. View this case study
How REDS can help
We support clients by:
• Carrying out security surveys or audits to identify vulnerabilities
• Assessing fuel storage infrastructure and risk exposure
• Supporting incident response following theft or spills
We manage incidents of all scales, from minor losses to complex environmental events. Supported by our in-house Environmental Consultants, we provide end-to-end support including regulatory reporting, risk assessment, investigation, remediation and ongoing monitoring.
Speak to our team about improving the security of your fuel storage assets.
