Van driver

Top 10 Security Recommendations

We understand that running a commercial vehicle fleet is very different from a car fleet. So much so, it is essential that for every element of the fleet, there must be van specific considerations in place.

Security remains a key factor for managing any fleet so here are our top ten tips to help keep your commercial vehicles secure.

1. Do your research

Consider the importance of security when choosing the vehicle. It may seem obvious but check how secure a new vehicle is but do take time to review the fleet press to see how the vehicle has faired in security tests. Ask whether items such as deadlocks are standard or an optional ‘extra’ – some vehicles are more susceptible to theft or theft from inside than others.

2. Sound the alarm

Check with your insurance company to see what level of alarm would begin to impact your insurance premium – it may be worth spending more on the alarm system in order to gain a better discount. Choose the alarm based on what it is that you want to protect:

Perimetric alarm; will go off when a door is opened and the voltage drops as the interior light goes on – very effective but not if they break a window.

Volumetric alarm; works on pressure changes which may be more effective. However, if you have an alarm fitted make sure there is a sticker to say so – often the damage is already done by the time an alarm is triggered – we want to stop a thief even thinking about breaking in!

3. Keeping Track

Research different types of tracker on the market so it does what you need it to do. It’s rare that a tracked vehicle isn’t found, but thieves are getting smarter at removing the telematics boxes.

Always have stickers to say the vehicle is fitted with a tracker – the key focus is to stop a thief before it’s stolen – rather than finding it later. (If you trackers are out of budget you could just fit the sticker – it may just be enough of a deterrent).

4. Bulkhead

In the event of a rear shunt a bulkhead not only protects the driver from equipment and materials joining the driver in the cab but it can also prevent someone breaking in from the cab area (even a mesh bulkhead would slow someone down or deter them).

5. See the signs

It seems simple, but if the livery / sign-writing on the side of the van could  indicate that there is something inside of value, then it’s time to consider whether the value of the marketing is greater than the goods being stolen.

6. Costly Cat

With many Catalytic convertors costing upwards of £1,000 to replace (plus the downtime whilst you haven’t got use of the vehicle whilst its replaced) – a £200 Cat Lock could be a worthwhile purchase.

7. Simple checks for drivers

Drivers can reduce the theft or theft from a vehicle more effectively than any system. Simple checks before leaving the vehicle will help reduce temptation of thieves.

  • Has anything been left on show – even a few coins could be attractive to someone.
  • Is the vehicle being left in a vulnerable area – high crime area, poorly lit area, a well hidden car park – a driver trying to save a few pounds in parking may be risking leaving the vehicle in a dangerous place?
  • Consider an incentive for any driver that doesn’t suffer a loss during the year (cheaper than replacing a window or a damaged door lock).
  • Get drivers to physically check that the doors are locking rather than assume they did lock – drivers often walk away from a vehicle as they ‘plip’ the key. If they are already out of range and haven’t checked then the van is still unlocked!

8. What’s inside?

Consider keeping an inventory of what is in a vehicle – it’s too late once items have been stolen to try and remember what was inside. A simple photo taken on a phone would help and only take seconds.

Keep the contents to an absolute minimum, this helps reduce weight and therefore fuel as well as reducing what can be stolen.

As tempting as it may be to have a sticker stating that ‘tools are not left in this vehicle’ nobody actually believes it, especially not thieves! – buy a sticker with ‘vehicle tracked’ instead.

9. Nuts and bolts

Everyone expects that a vehicle with alloy wheels should or will have locking wheel nuts fitted, but how often do you see a van with standard wheels with locking nuts. Why not? With so many people driving similar vans, suddenly a Ford Transit with a new set of tyres is a very attractive vehicle to steal the wheels from. A £40 pound set of wheel nuts will soon pay dividends.

10. Lock it or lose it

Additional locks give a very clear visual deterrent. You could suggest that a thief now thinks that there may be something worth stealing but generally they have already moved on to the next van.

Deadlocks look secure and even if the driver forgets to lock them, the thief won’t know unless they try.

Slamlocks are effective but do have the added danger of drivers putting keys down to find something and then ‘slamming’ the door behind them leaving keys inside.

 

For further help and advice contact: lcv@leaseplan.co.uk

 

 

Paul Kirby

Paul Kirby

Paul has over 15 years’ experience with LCVs working for manufacturers and as an operator. He has been with LeasePlan UK since 2014, with responsibility for supporting Commercial Vehicle customers and developing our Business Critical Fleet proposition.

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