What Items Are Thieves After?
As the seasons change, so do the tactics used by thieves, with work vehicles becoming a common target. Whether you are a contractor, sole trader, delivery driver, or small business owner, your company vehicle faces a higher risk at this time of year. But why is this, and what steps can you take to safeguard your vehicle?
In this blog, we will break down the surge in work vehicle thefts and how you can keep your vehicle safe.
Why is There a Surge in Work Vehicle Thefts This Time of Year?
There are many reasons for this, but the three most common reasons are:
- Darker Days = More Opportunities – Shorter daylight hours mean vehicles are left unattended for longer in the dark. This is the perfect condition for thieves to strike. Anywhere can be a hotspot for thieves, from car parks, residential streets and even job sites.
- Leaving Valuables Visible – We are getting closer to Christmas, and people are popping to the shops to grab a few bits and bobs on their lunch break. Maybe they are leaving the bag of Christmas gifts in sight of thieves. This makes you an easy target! Make sure you hide any valuables.
- Financial Pressure – The past few years have not been easy for many of us, with the rise in cost-of-living expenses, and this can make people desperate. Opportunist thieves can see your work van as a quick payday, stealing the items you have and selling them off.
There are many items in your work vehicle that thieves are after.
- Work Tools and Equipment – If you are a tradesperson, there could be power tools and other specialised equipment. Unfortunately, these items are often left visible in vans and are easy to resell.
- Personal Belongings – Items such as phones, laptops, and wallets are another load of items perfect for the opportunist thief to steal.
- The Vehicle Itself – According to Direct Line, there are, on average, 31 vans stolen every day across the UK. If your vehicle is an older model, it can be stolen for parts, while newer models may be taken for resale.
How to Protect Your Work Vehicle This Season
While all of this may sound alarming, there are things you can do to protect your vehicle this holiday season.
- Invest in Proper Tech – Telematics devices can help keep a van secure and safe. To protect your vehicle from theft, consider installing a steering wheel lock and a high-quality alarm system. Some telematics devices also have front- and rear-facing cameras, which can protect drivers against fraudulent claims and deter theft. A thief will not want to be seen on camera.
- Park Smart – Wherever possible, choose well-lit areas with high footfall. You can also use secure parking (especially if they have CCTV). Did you know that Cambrian Fuel Card Services refuelling sites are well-lit and safe to refuel?
- Keep Valuables out of Sight – Hide items out of sight. You can even remove tools and equipment from the vehicle overnight. This also includes fuel cards; many drivers still leave their cards in view, and while all our cards are PIN-protected, leaving them in plain sight can be inviting for would-be thieves.
- Don’t Leave Keys in the Ignition – This may seem like an obvious one, but many people turn their work vehicle on to warm it up in the early mornings while they go back into the house to finish getting ready. This may invalidate your insurance, as it is against the law.
- Mark Your Property – If you have any tools, etc, make sure you mark them with a UV pen, so if they do get stolen, you may be able to get them back.
- Keep Your Vehicle Tidy – A thief may wonder what is hiding under the mess, so keep your vehicle clear and clutter-free.
If Your Vehicle Is Stolen
While it is distressing if your vehicle and or belongings are stolen or damaged, you need to act quickly.
- Report the Theft – Immediately report the theft to the police, then your insurance company or business owner.
- Check Online Marketplaces and Relevant Stores – Check if any of your property is being sold online or in local stores near you. Hopefully, you will have marked any valuable items with UV ink so they are easier to identify.
- Telematics – If your vehicle has telematics devices fitted, use them to check where the vehicle currently is. This information can be shared with the police to help recover your vehicle.
Stay One Step Ahead
As we have mentioned, work vehicle thefts tend to rise at this time of year, but by following our advice, you can lower the risk and safeguard your assets and livelihood. By parking wisely, investing in security, and remaining vigilant, you’ll make your vehicle much less attractive to thieves.
At Cambrian Fuel Card Services, we want to help protect your vehicles. As well as offering 8 of the best fuel cards in the UK, we also offer high-quality telematics devices. We offer 6 different telematics devices that range from a basic model to devices that have both a front and rear camera, offering even more protection.
Apply for Cambrian Fuel Card Services’ telematics here
