The Need for Anti-Theft Devices for Commercial Fleets

Uncategorized | December 16, 2024 | Dean Finegold

Here at Fit My Tracker, we make it part of our job to keep up with the latest news and statistics on vehicle theft. That way, we can help our customers choose the best anti-theft and security devices to keep their vehicles safe.

Sadly, we find that the need for anti-theft measures continues to rise in the UK, especially for commercial fleet owners. Statistics for the theft of and from vehicles remain stubbornly high, with around 130,521 vehicles stolen during a single 12-month period. This seemingly never-ending issue poses a massive headache for fleet owners who have to cover the substantial cost of replacing stolen vehicles or looted cargo.

Theft is largely driven by organised crime who see the high value of commercial fleets as a ready source of profit. Here’s an idea of why commercial fleet owners should consider using as many anti-theft measures as possible, including highly effective GPS trackers.

High value of assets
Fleet vehicles, whether commercial vehicles or cars, represent a large financial investment for any business, in terms of the physical value and the working life of the vehicle. Replacing those stolen, along with the rise in insurance premiums, can severely impact productivity and financially cripple a business.

Commercial fleets often transport large quantities of valuable goods ranging from electronics to fashion, food products to pharmaceuticals and even fuel from the vehicles themselves. In 2023 there were some 5,373 cases of cargo crime with an estimated £68 million cost to businesses.

Small vans are commonly targeted for specialised equipment and tools carried on board which represent an opportunity for thieves to cash in by selling them on the black market.

Organised crime and professional thieves
HGVs are often targeted by organised crime groups due to the potential for high profits and the relative ease of selling on stolen goods or vehicles.

Stolen for parts
Stolen goods and vehicles, especially high value cars and plant machinery, can be illegally exported abroad to be sold on the black market or dismantled for parts. In the UK, stolen vehicles are often broken in ‘chop shops’ to be sold as spare parts.

Impact on business operations
Theft of vehicles or cargo can severely disrupt business operations, especially so in small businesses where margins may be tight. The result can be delays, missed deliveries and lost customer confidence.

The loss of productivity and disruption to supply lines caused by the aftermath of a theft – dealing with police reports, filing insurance claims and sourcing replacement vehicles – is matched only by the increase in insurance premiums and added operational costs.

Protect your commercial fleet
There are numerous ways in which you can protect your vehicles from theft, including mechanical devices such as steering wheel locks, pedal locks, wheel clamps and fuel cut-off switches. Alarm/immobilisers and security cameras add a layer of protection. One of the most effective anti-theft devices on the market is the GPS tracker.