fuel

Rural homeowners urged to be vigilant as figures show oil and fuel theft doubled in 2022 

NFU Mutual is urging rural homeowners to be vigilant as figures from the leading rural insurer show that theft of oil, diesel and other fuels from domestic premises doubled in 2022.

With inflation and other factors pushing up the price of fuel throughout last year, the overall cost of fuel theft has also rocketed by 244%. The average cost of each theft of fuel from domestic premises...

Free support for South West businesses to boost resilience

As the cost of living crisis continues to impact the prices of energy, fuel and commodities, local businesses across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay are being urged to make the most of available support to boost their resilience.

The Heart of the South West Growth Hub offers free, impartial, expert business advice, and has a range of programmes and grants available to help...

Trading Standards to 'test' more petrol pumps for accuracy this summer

Trading Standards will increase the number of routine petrol forecourt checks across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay this summer.

Usually around a dozen forecourts a year are tested – this summer up to an extra 20 will be tested, with a possibility of more if needed.

Fuel pumps are regularly tested by Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service to ensure that the...

The Crown Fuels: Properties featured in The Crown rack up energy bills of up to £2m

The Crown is renowned for providing a dramatic look into the life of The Royals and their family, from behind-the-scenes conversations to the grandeur of their homes. But what may shock consumers this season is the eye-watering amount of energy these historic properties require each year to run.

Buildings expected to feature prominently in season four of The Crown - including Diana’s...

fuel, poverty

Share a little warmth this winter

Fuel Poverty levels are high in Devon, and whilst projects like Healthy Homes for Wellbeing, run by Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) have been tackling this issue head on with their dedicated service, there is still a high level of demand for support .

The Winter Warmth campaign from ECOE, now in its second year, highlights the issues of fuel poverty and hard to heat homes faced by...

Drivers in the South West have saved an incredible £26M on fuel during lockdown

The UK has turned into a nation of savers as lockdown restrictions cancel the daily commute for millions of workers, freeing up both the roads and our budgets.

New report by GoCompare reveals Brits have saved an incredible £267 million on fuel prices since the start of lockdown in March! Split by region, the South West of England have a total saving of more than £26,610,728.12 ....

Does your oil tank leak?

It is also the time of year when the Environment Agency urges people to check their oil tanks to protect the environment and reduce the risk of potentially large financial losses.

Leaked oil can end up in drains, many of which lead directly to rivers, streams, lakes and even garden ponds, having the same effect as pouring it directly into the watercourse.

Oil is poisonous to...

Changes to way police deal with fuel bilking

Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing to change the way incidents are dealt with, to ensure the best service possible can be given to the public with the existing resources.

Across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in 2015 the Force received around 1,600 reports where a customer had left without paying for fuel from a garage forecourt. These are not offences of fraud or theft...

Driver made off without paying for fuel

Police are appealing for information after the driver of a 4x4 took fuel from a garage in Tavistock and drove off without paying for it.

The incident happened at around 1.45pm on Monday 25 November at the Tavistock Service Station on Plymouth Road (A386).

The vehicle is believed to be an old-style cream or silver Vauxhall Frontera, and the registration plate was partially shown...