HOUSEHOLDERS in isolated areas across Keighley and the Worth Valley without mains gas supplies are being warned to be on their guard.
Off-grid energy provider Calor says research has shown that last year the cost of rural crime in West Yorkshire exceeded £1.5 million, making it one of the UK's worst-affected counties.
And oil and diesel were high on the list for thieves.
Calor says the storage tanks are easy targets and owners can face considerable cost in repairing or replacing them, and cleaning-up.
It recommends people switch to LPG.
Spokesman Gregor Dalgleish said: "This figure demonstrates the seriousness of theft, especially that of heating oil, for those living in rural West Yorkshire.
"And it's not only commercial buildings that are at risk – residential properties are targeted too."
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