Heating oil thefts in East Anglia have more than doubled since last year after winter prices soared to their highest level yet.

Figures obtained by the EDP using the Freedom of Information Act showed there were 132 thefts reported to police in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire between October 2010 and January 2011.

There were 61 thefts over the same period in 2009/10 and 80 in 2008/9. It is thought many more thefts go un-reported as it is often only obvious that a tank has been targeted when it is completely drained.

According to supplier Boilerjuice, the national average price of heating oil reached 71p a litre in December. This was up from 40p at the same time last year and a peak of 50p last January.

It means that not only are rural communities being hit in the pocket by rising prices, but they also run an increased risk of falling victim to crime.

Police have warned would-be thieves that an increasing number of businesses are taking measures to protect their oil and diesel.

Insp Brian Pincher said: 'Many companies are more aware that oil and diesel is being targeted by opportunist thieves and they have invested in a number of security marking products including dye to change the colour of the commodity.

'The dye in the fuel has the potential to indelibly contaminate the offenders which can link the offenders to the crime and help us carry out our investigations and prosecute the offenders.'

Officers are also warning anyone using agricultural fuel or heating oil in a vehicle can risk having their vehicle seized for evasion of duty. The offenders can also be heavily fined and receive a criminal conviction.

However, homes remain vulnerable. Recent incidents include thieves stealing 900 litres of oil from properties in Briston and Matlaske in north Norfolk.

About a week earlier thieves stole 450 litres from an unlocked oil tank at a property in nearby Melton Constable.

Police advice on how to avoid falling victim to heating oil theft includes:

Positioning your oil tank to allow maximum view from your property;

Using control switches to stop the flow of oil when the tank is not in use;

Using good quality padlocks to secure your tank.

Buying an oil level gauge which will sound an alarm if the oil level in your tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full.

Using security lights and defensive planting such as a prickly hedge.