Fleet managers are being urged to take action on van security following reports that thefts from vans are rising rapidly.
Figures published by the BBC indicate that thefts from vans increased 62% from 14,063 in 2014/15 to 22,749 in 2016/17. A van is broken into every 23 minutes.
Simon Cook, LCV manager at Arval, added that the figures fit in with what fleets are saying at the moment.
He explained: “These figures are consistent with what we are hearing from fleets at the moment. In our experience, van crime tends to occur in cycles and our feeling is that we are on an upswing. What tends to happen is that thieves devise a new method of breaking into a van, operators adopt ways of preventing it, and there follows a decrease in the crime. Then, new techniques start to appear, and the whole thing happens again.”
As well as using commercially available transponder keys to open vans, Cook added that thieves are also using tools to break through the structure of the vehicle as manufacturers turn to lighter steel to reduce the weight of the van and increase payload.
He commented: “Manufacturers are trying to increase payload and one method is to reduce the weight of the van by using lighter steel. Unfortunately, this means it is easier to use tools to cut through the fabric of the van or to bend door frames.
“Also, manufacturers have done much to reduce the effectiveness of transponder keys on newer models, however, they are still affecting some vehicles that currently remain on fleets.”
In response, Arval has written a five-point guide to van security:
Fit the right security equipment
There are a range of options available with popular solutions including slam locks and trackers. Look at which will be the best way to protect your van and make it difficult, noisy, or time consuming for thieves to get in.
Protect the keys
Modern locking systems make it comparatively difficult to break into many vans through the locks, so thieves often target the keys. Ensure that drivers keep them secure and out of sight at all times.
Selective branding
A heavily liveried van is a good advertisement for your business – but also an indication of what is inside as criminals can target certain industries or even companies. If you are being targeted by thieves, adopting plain, white vans might be a good move. Major fleets have certainly done this in the past.
Park the van in a sensible place
If your van is being left for a long period of time, especially overnight, make sure that it is parked close to an occupied building or in a conspicuous, well-lit location.
Get the right advice
Making your vans more secure can be an expensive business. You can easily add up to £1,000 to the cost of a van in locks and other security-related items. Make sure that you are getting professional advice, and utilising relevant information, that will enable you to fit the right equipment to the right vans operating in the right areas.
Cook continued: “Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are certainly several steps that businesses can take to mitigate the risk of falling victim to van crime.”
