This article is from page 11 of the 2011-02-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
GARDAÍ are urging homeowners to be vigilant following an increase in the theft of home heating oil around Clare.
A Garda spokesman explained that thieves are targeting oil tanks that are not fitted with locks.
“The theft of home heating oil and other fuels is on the increase across the western region in County Clare. A feature that has been noticed by the investigating gardaí is how easily accessible the openings in storage tanks are. We are appealing for people to be extra vigilant and to take extra security measures to protect their fuel from being easily stolen.
He added, “Locks should be on the openings and where large storage tanks are located, access to them should be strictly controlled. Where large vehicles are parked overnight we appeal for the drivers to park them in well lit areas or in secure compounds and parked in such a way that the opening of the fuel tanks is easy to access.”
Gardaí have also issued a warning in relation to a computer scam. “A number of people have been rang by someone claiming to represent Microsoft or other well known computer firms and informing the person that a problem has risen with their com- puter. They claim that they can fix this problem over the phone by getting the owner to enter certain data on their computer. No problems have been noticed by the owner before the phone call. However they look for credit card details first as they claim a small charge is necessary before proceeding,” said the spokesman.
“Sometimes the caller asks you to download a file to ensure that the “so-called problem” is identified and tackled. You could be downloading a virus or spyware, which will allow the caller to access your computer at will. This is a scam and is purely designed to obtain the details of the owner’s credit card and other personal details.”
Gardaí say that anyone who suspects they may have been the victim of the scam should report the matter to the Gardaí or the data commissioner.