Three arrested on suspicion of heating oil theft

The arrests were made last Tuesday, March 12, after police stopped a vehicle on the Mettican Road following the report of suspicious activity around a local school.

The three men, aged 52, 37 and 31, have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Inspector Paul McCracken of the Neighbourhood Policing Team outlined PSNI’s approach to heating oil thefts:

“Police are committed to tackling heating oil thefts and bringing the selfish people who commit it to task.

“These thefts hit the most vulnerable in our community the hardest; the elderly people who need heat and warmth to stay well and families who often struggle to meet rising fuel costs.

“The police would ask local people to be aware of heating oil thefts and take simple crime prevention steps to deter thieves. Anyone can contact their local Crime Prevention Officer to receive crime prevention advice on this or any other issue”.

DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan welcomed the arrests and praised the PSNi on the successful operation.