Are you worried about rental vehicles in your fleet not being returned on time only to be discovered stolen? Do your fleet drivers share keys and sometimes leave them in the vehicle? Do your vehicles need to deliver goods in unsafe locations?
While no two fleets are the same, risk is always expensive. That cost can be particularly steep when it comes to your fleet vehicles. Fleet vehicles tend to attract theft because they are newer vehicles and typically carry valuable products or tools. Because they are such valuable assets, they need protection from risk, which ultimately protects your business.
No vehicle is entirely immune to theft, including fleet vehicles. Many vehicle and equipment thefts are crimes of opportunity, and the easiest way to prevent them is to reduce or remove the opportunity.
Simple tactics such as locking doors, hiding valuable equipment, and installing anti-theft devices, and installing a telematics solution, i.e. Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers go a long way to securing your fleet against vehicle and equipment theft.
There are certain steps fleet operators can take to both make themselves less of a target, and to protect themselves when they are targeted. In this article we will explore all the ways in which you can protect your assets.
The issue of truck hijackings and theft in South Africa has seen a significant rise over the past few years, posing a major concern for fleet operators. Here is a detailed overview of the relevant data, focusing on delivery vehicles, trucks, and tippers.
Truck hijackings have increased substantially over recent years. The types of trucks most frequently targeted include:
These models are favoured by criminals due to their high value and the demand for their parts in the illegal market.
The rise in truck hijackings and theft in South Africa necessitates stringent security measures for fleet operators. By leveraging advanced telematics solutions and maintaining robust security protocols, the risks associated with truck hijackings can be significantly reduced.
There are several essential security precautions that fleet owners should take to minimise the risk of vehicle theft. Implementing these basic security principles requires a combination of technology and behavioural changes.
Common sense will work much of the time, but to further deter thieves a “layered approach” to vehicle protection is recommended.
To protect your fleet vehicles the next step following common sense (the first layer) is visible deterrents on the vehicles. These are any devices or items that indicate to a thief the vehicle theft will be more difficult.
Install immobilisers, which are aftermarket devices fitted to vehicles in order to prevent engines from running unless the correct key or other secondary input is present. This prevents a vehicle from being ‘hot wired’.
The final layer of security involves something many fleets are using to help drivers do their jobs better – telematics and fleet management systems.
In addition to the above, Netstar also recommends a few ways to prevent smash-and-grabs and other crimes of opportunity:
The first step for any fleet manager should involve implementing vehicle tracking systems. By installing Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices in all the fleet vehicles, will allow the company to monitor routes, prevent unauthorised use, and aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles.
Two key components of these solutions are GPS tracking and geofencing.
GPS tracking
Real-time monitoring: Installing GPS tracking devices in fleet vehicles allows for real-time monitoring of their location. This capability is vital for several reasons:
Geofencing
Enhanced control: Geofencing involves setting up virtual boundaries around specific geographic areas. This feature offers multiple benefits:
By leveraging GPS tracking and geofencing, fleet operators can significantly enhance the safety and security of their vehicles, ensuring smoother operations and better protection against theft and unauthorised use.
Enhancing the security of fleet vehicles is critical to preventing theft and ensuring the safety of your assets. Here are some effective strategies and devices to bolster your fleet’s security:
Invest in better security measures
Equip your vehicle with state-of-the-art security systems such as:
Deploy immobilisation device
Institute electronic immobilisers that obstruct vehicle ignition in the absence of the correct key or access code. Ensuring the resilience of these devices against tampering or circumvention is paramount to fortifying your fleet’s security apparatus.
Better driving significantly reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%, so it really is worth investing in. By having clear safety rules and regulations in place, your drivers will have a better idea of how to play it safe on the road. This will not only keep them and your vehicles safe, but it will also help you avoid unnecessary and costly downtime.
So how do you do it?
Institute a proactive approach to fleet maintenance by conducting routine checks. Timely resolution of mechanical issues not only ensures driver safety but also mitigates the risk of vehicular breakdowns, which can render vehicles susceptible to theft.
So how do you do it?
Insurance coverage is a fundamental part of operating a business with a fleet of vehicles, especially when it comes to protecting against the threat of cargo theft. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an insurance plan:
– Type of cargo being transported
– Value of goods at risk
– Shipment frequency and distance
– Geographic regions served
Employ closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras strategically, both within and outside the fleet vehicles. The deployment of telematics systems complements this strategy by recording comprehensive data on vehicle usage, driver behaviour, and maintenance activities, thus offering a holistic perspective on fleet tracking.
Your community can help spread awareness for potential threats and be an added layer of protection on the road. Share information and collaborate with other businesses and law enforcement agencies to stay informed about any emerging threats.
Many communities have online portals, email newsletters, or apps where members share information or report suspicious activity. Whether it’s forming neighbourhood watch groups, participating in community events, or volunteering for local initiatives, building relationships within your community can create a resilient support system that not only protects your business, but also strengthens the fabric of the entire community.
Cultivate collaborative relationships with local law enforcement entities. Provide them with pertinent information about your fleet and work collaboratively on strategies to prevent theft and expedite the recovery of stolen vehicles. Timely reporting of theft incidents significantly enhances the prospect of successful recovery.
By conscientiously incorporating these measures into your fleet management protocol, fleet managers can significantly enhance the safety and security of their vehicles, ensuring smooth operations and reducing the risk of theft or damage.
This proactive approach not only safeguards against financial losses but also underscores your commitment to the uninterrupted efficiency of fleet operations.