AUTO LOCKSMITHS
“ Despite these risks, there are effective measures to reduce the chances of car theft. The simplest is using a Faraday pouch, which blocks the signal from your key when not in use. Alternatively, you can keep keys away from doors and windows where signals can be intercepted.”
Mark your territory“ Making a note of serial numbers or marking your equipment with some kind of identification can make them too risky to handle. UV markers, paint or even carving your business name can make your equipment undesirable on the resale market.
“ Alongside marking your tools, make sure that you do something to help identify your van. Criminals are getting more and more savvy with fake number plates and serial number removal. Like with tools, you can mark your van with paint, permanent markers or UV pens.”
Look at insurance
“ While it might seem glaringly obvious to have your business vehicle insured, across the UK there are over 300,000 uninsured vehicles on the road. [ 5 ] Specific business van insurance will help keep
your business moving, as it will cover the cost of your tools or other content that is essential to your work.
“ While it isn’ t nice to think about your van being broken into, there are a few documents you should have to hand before you make an insurance claim. This includes your insurance policy details, an inventory of your van and crime reference number( CRN).”
Tips for parking at service stations
While services might seem like a safe place for HGV drivers to lay their head for the night, the reality is that service station crime is on the rise, in 2020 more than £ 16.3 million worth of goods were stolen at service stations. [ 6 ]
Taking this into account, Matthew offered his insight into those parked at service stations at night.
When returning to your vehicle, check for signs of tampering
“ If you’ ve just nipped out to the toilet or to the shop, there is a chance that a criminal might have taken this as an opportunity to check the content or accessibility of your HGV. Once you have returned to your vehicle, make sure that all door seals, straps and curtains have not been tampered with.”
Keep all documentation about your load out of sight
“ A lot of cab drivers have a reputation as having messy cabs littered with crips packets and papers, if this is you, you might not realise the danger you could be in. Documents left out in view of the cab can easily let opportunists know what you’ re transporting. Additionally, try to avoid talking to anyone at service stations about what you are delivering and where to, as you don’ t know who might have criminal connections.”
Consider installing monitor systems
“ If you frequently travel in high-risk areas or feel uneasy, you can consider installing monitoring systems on your cab. Systems such as GPS trackers and alarms allow you to always stay informed on your fleet’ s status.
“ While this might require an additional cost, it does provide peace of mind for drivers and fleet operators.”
For more information please visit: https:// www. rightfuelcard. co. uk /
Sources: [ 5 ] Total number of uninsured vehicles on the road; https:// www. northwales. police. uk / news / north-wales / news / news / 2024 / november / cracking-down-on-uninsured-drivers /#:~: text = Evidence % 20from % 20MIB % 20shows % 20there, run % 20driver % 20in % 20the % 20UK. | [ 6 ] Amount of goods stolen at service station; https:// trans. info / en / navcis-annual-report-reveals-uk-service-stations-with-most-freight-crime-229918
MARCH 2025
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