All vehicles are a target of theft, may it be the car itself or the valuables found inside. Although the number of vehicle thefts has gone down for the past two decades, the methods that criminals use have improved and gotten smarter. Due to this, there is a need for all auto owners and operators to up their security. One fantastic way of doing this is by making use of asset tracking solutions.
Fleet Theft
Among the different types of automobiles, fleet vehicles are one of the most tempting to steal from due to the high-valued equipment available. It usually occurs when the driver is away for a short time. They could have left the truck to make a delivery or complete a transaction.
According to statistics, around 20% of fleets may experience theft three or more times annually. One stolen fleet vehicle may cost your business as much as $50,000.
There is also a slim chance for you to recover your stolen auto. However, if you execute excellent asset tracking, it will be much easier for you to locate the stolen goods.
Types of Cargo Theft
Opportunistic thieves make use of several smart tactics to steal from your vehicles, such as:
- Straight Theft
This method is the most obvious since cargo and assets are physically taken away from the place it was stored. Experienced criminals can identify the trucks that they can benefit from the most.
They will search for a fleet that carries items that can sell quickly and for a large amount of money. The places where this type of theft is likely to be executed are truck stops, roadside parking, and parking and drop lots. - Strategic Theft
Some thieves have started planning out their thefts strategically. They can use unconventional and fraudulent methods that can trick businesses into leaving their load into the hands of illegitimate carriers or shippers.
There have been many instances of identity theft, double brokering scams, and false pick-ups, just so they can get their hands on your cargo. This method is usually done late in the afternoon on Fridays since they believe that fleet companies will become less thorough due to the time constraints. - Technology
Sometimes, thieves make use of devices to block the GPS technology on the truck so that law enforcement cannot locate the stolen assets. To combat this type of theft, the fleet industry is now encouraging the use of asset tracking solutions. - Cyber
Another way that cargo thieves steal from your company is by hacking into your system and getting the information they need. They can get the pick-up and delivery documents so that they can execute successful fictitious pick-ups. - Smash and Grab Theft
When the driver is temporarily away from the vehicle, opportunistic thieves can easily break your window and grab whatever items are in plain sight.
Methods of Prevention
To avoid such thefts from happening, companies need to increase their security by doing some additional precautionary methods.
The best way not to entice thieves to steal from your truck is by hiding all your valuables somewhere where they cannot see it. Tinting your windows to the darkest legal limit and adding a shatter-resistant film are recommended to achieve the same results.
When drivers enter the vehicle, they should make it a habit to lock the doors immediately. Some criminals may be lurking around waiting until you get into the car for the perfect opportunity. Also, if you are going out of the truck for a short time, you should not keep it running. If you do so, anyone could easily gain access to your vehicle.
Park somewhere that is brightly lit 24/7. Thieves try to accomplish their theft in the darkness because it is less likely for them to get caught. Your parking lot should also be secured with fences and several security cameras.
When companies create or decide the route for the trucks to pass by, they need to consider avoiding areas that have a high rate of vehicle theft. Drivers need to be informed that they should never stop in the said areas.
The newest method that companies try to perfect is asset tracking. This allows you to track the different assets of your business, such as equipment, tools, or even IT assets. With recent innovations, this method can also let you look up any information regarding all your assets anytime.
Equipment to Reduce Chances of Theft
Other than precautionary methods, companies need to make use of new technology, asset tracking solutions, devices, and equipment to keep their fleet safe. To increase vehicle protection, you need to apply a layered approach. By doing this, you make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle and the cargo.
- Tracking Device
There are several asset tracking devices that you can choose from to increase the security around your fleet. Some that utilize advanced technology allows you to locate your powered and unpowered assets in real-time. You can put an asset tracker on each of your equipment just in case it gets lost or stolen. - Car Alarm and Security Lights
All vehicles, whether they are trucks or cars, need to have a basic car alarm. If someone attempts to break your window, open the door, or start your vehicle, the alarm will go off.
Equipping your vehicle with this device can discourage thieves from stealing since they need to do the theft anonymously. They aim to never draw attention to themselves.
Along with an alarm, your vehicle must also have security lights to warn passers-by that you have a security alarm. - Steering Wheel Lock Bar
You can place this equipment over the steering wheel and lock it in place. Anyone who wishes to drive the truck will need a key. If they don’t, the wheel will not turn, and the bar will hit the door, making it impossible for them to drive off with the vehicle. - Kill Switch
You can install this device so that if a thief tries to turn your vehicle on without a key, it immediately cuts off the electrical system. With a kill switch, no one can even turn on the engine of your car. - Brake Lock
This item is hardened metal and can lock your pedal in place. It is difficult to remove, which is why it is an excellent deterrent.
These are the essential methods to ensure to keep your fleet safe. As long as you continuously upgrade your security system, you can avoid burglaries and save yourself from losing significant amounts of money. However, if you wish to learn more about vehicle thefts and ways to prevent it, you can visit this site.
