CARMARTHENSHIRE residents are being reminded to securely lock their oil tanks following a spate of thefts in the county.

Two separate thefts of fuel from homes were reported in the village of Abergwili recently.

In both cases someone entered the back gardens of properties and stole oil valued at £200 from each of the premises.

Police sergeant Mark McSweeney said: "The gardens have been entered and once again the thieves have been able to steal the oil.

"Homeowners can take a few simple steps to help prevent this happening to them. All we ask is they following simple guidelines."

He said people should be aware of oil levels and check them frequently.

He added: "I would recommend the householder speaks to their supplier with regards to a more frequent but smaller delivery.

"If you have a plastic tank, consider erecting fencing around the tank with one end hinged and locked for filling purposes.

"The fencing should be fixed to solid posts and should be set off the tank by 12 inches on all sides. The same should be fixed to the top as well."

He said people with a steel tank should fit a quality anti-cut close-shackled padlock.

Security lighting was also recommended.

He added: "In the meantime if anyone has seen anything suspicious in the Abergwili area, or indeed anywhere else in the county, I'd ask them to please get in touch with police by calling 101."