There have been no more reported thefts of heating oil in Wealden since police stopped a van and arrested two men in the first week of Operation Zeero.
After an increase in thefts from domestic tanks across the district, the local Neighbourhood Policing team arranged a month of high visibility action.
In the first week of the operation, a van was stopped and two men were arrested and bailed pending further investigations.
On searching the van police said it was evident that it was used in the theft of heating oil.
Police said these thefts were not only costly for residents but had a massive impact on their lives when unable to afford or arrange more oil.
One resident in particular had all of their heating oil stolen a week before Christmas and was unable to afford the cost of refilling.
The police and a local heating oil firm joined forces to donate a small amount of oil to see the resident through the festive period.
Wealden District Commander Chief Inspector Dick Coates said: “Criminals working in Wealden should take note; my team will proactively target all types of crime with zero tolerance.
“We stopped over 200 vehicles on Operation Zero and seized a van that has undoubtedly been involved in the majority of these thefts in the District.
“I will continue to direct my officers patrols to combat all types of crime in future.”
Oil tanks should be within sight of your home, but not visible from the road.
If you would like to discuss security advice, contact your local officer by calling 101 or visit www.sussex.police.uk