In a recent report by NaVCIS (National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service) it was reported that in May 2020 alone £5,927,863.48 worth of cargo was stolen in the UK. They highlight how the largest offence type was theft from a motor vehicle, amounting to 72% of all cargo crime. This shows just how important it is to protect your vehicle and stay vigilant.
Keeping your vehicle safe has always been a priority. Making sure that all of the cargo reaches its destination safely is a massive part of the job.
We want to share some helpful tips to help you keep your goods safe.
Regular Route Changes
Thieves may prey on people when they notice a pattern with their movements. If you habitually stick to driving and stopping in the same places on a regular basis it may be easier for a thief to take advantage, making you a victim of cargo crime. Changing the routes you take on a regular basis will make it harder for your movement to be predicted and tracked by unsavory individuals.
Securing Your Vehicle
it might not feel like that much of a risk to leave your phone in the cab whilst you quickly run to a cash machine or to lock the door whilst you step outside to stretch. Unfortunately, these are probably the times to be the most vigilant. Making sure you don’t leave any valuables alone and keeping your vehicle locked and secured will reduce the risk of threat from opportunists and ensure that both you and your cargo stay safe.
Another thing to take into consideration is the security of your vehicle whilst you are driving. It isn’t unheard of for thieves to try to gain access to a lorry that is stopped at traffic lights. Taking preventative measures, such as locking your cab whilst you are driving, may be enough to keep your load secure and protected.
You can also protect your vehicle with various preventative protection systems an example of this could be through purchasing an anti-theft fuel siphon device- 19% of the crimes reported by NaVCIS were related to fuel.
Parking and Stopping
Taking a break is essential when travelling long-distances but it is really important that you make sure that you plan out where you are going to stop. Making sure that you stay in a safe place is crucial. One way to make sure that the place you’re staying is secure is by looking for the ‘Park Mark’ these are spots that are regularly assessed for safety and security, helping to give you peace of mind.
Make sure you don’t converse with other people about what your load contains, although it might seem like harmless conversation you may end up being targeted by someone who has overheard you talking, putting both you and your vehicle at risk.
When you return to your vehicle after taking a break be sure to check it for any damage or signs of tampering just to be sure that your load is safe.
Although it is impossible to completely remove the threat of theft, these preventative measures should help you stay as safe as possible.
Do you have any helpful tips for staying safe? Let us know on our social media!