Renault Trucks has launched a reinforced Trafic Van to combat theft from van break-ins.
The Trafic can now be specified with a Cat 1 alarm, fully lined interior and floor and internal security system. Fleets can also opt for a fully sealed steel mesh internal door system with an internal five-point locking mechanism fitted to rear and side, with apertures finished off with an external high-impact clear Perspex covering.
The on-board tool safe is flush-mounted into the vehicle, bringing added security while reducing internal space by only 30mm and weighing just 105kg. It’s produced exclusively for Renault Trucks by PD Stevens & Sons and available on the new Trafic L1H1, L2H1 and L2H2 Red Edition and Exclusive models. The safe can also be colour-coded to match vehicle paintwork.
The new vehicle tackles one of tradespeople’s top concerns. Research indicates van theft costs tradespeople £264m per year and tool theft costs a tradesperson £5,584 on average, each time their van gets broken into. But van break-ins also bring around 30 days of downtime for the average tradesperson, costing them £5,982 in missed jobs, on top of the cost of replacing tools and materials.
Grahame Neagus, head of LCV at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “For builders, carpenters, plumbers and heating engineers, van break-ins and tool theft can seriously impact their business financially. We have designed this vehicle to deter thieves in the first instance, protect valuable content and to offer total peace of mind for our tradespeople who rely on their tools for the continuity of their business.”
Neagus continued: “This is a clear statement of our intent to work with and for our customers, understanding their challenges and coming up with tangible, cost effective and innovative solutions. We are also in discussions with insurance companies to offer a discount for operating vehicles with these additional anti-theft features”
The new arrival is the latest in a suite of special edition Trafic models tailored to the needs of target customers, backed by Renault Trucks’ heavy truck background and expertise.
