Swan National has the right idea
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THE BRITISH Vehicle Rental Leasing seminar (CM March 26) appears to have been abundant with interest.
Bill Neill, from Swan National Rentals, hit upon the right idea for secret identification points peculiar to one's own company to be placed on or in the vehicles. As a founder member of the stolen motor vehicle investigation branch at New Scotland Yard in 1960, I can confirm the identification of a complete "ringer" is most difficult even for the loving and caring owner. This problem must be even more difficult when trying to identify one of a fleet of hundreds.
The question of the manufacturers etching chassis numbers (now referred to as Vehicle Identification Numbers — VINs) on to windscreens would be a further operation and add to the cost. Some 20 years ago I remember a manufacturer's representative suggesting they would dispense with the chassis number completely in order to economise! However, prayer mats came into operation from the-then senior members of the stolen car squad and a reprieve was granted.
J. D. S1LVESTER Security Director Unwins Wine Group Ltd Dartford, Kent