Special Alert

Home and Business Heating Oil Stolen
Sheriff's Office Asks Citizens to be Extra Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity Immediately.

The Charles County Sheriff's Office is issuing an alert to citizens to be extra observant of activity near heating oil tanks after officers responded to calls in which heating oil was stolen from businesses and homes. 

Detectives believe the suspects are driving their vehicles - probably large trucks or flatbeds- directly to the tanks and siphoning several gallons of oil  - just enough to minimize immediate detection - before moving on to another tank. It appears the suspects put the oil in large barrels or drums and later sell the oil at a discount rate or use it for personal use.

Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity or vehicles hauling tanks/metal containers that are capable of holding several gallons of oil, and are parked/located in back alley ways of businesses. Also, periodically check potential churches or secluded areas with easily accessible heating oil tanks.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in Charles County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about a crime may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or Text CHARLES + your tip to CRIMES or visit WWW.CCSO.US to submit a web tip. All callers remain anonymous.