T he Trucktheft Action Pack, produced by CM in association with
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Iveco Ford Truck and the RHA, was the brainchild of CM's news editor, Nicky Clarke. "Every Monday morning CM'S news team return to the office to find a long list of faxes from readers who've had their trucks stolen. We know how much damage and disruption to the business the theft of a vehicle causes hauliers. So after wading through the list and reporting rising theft figures, I thought that CM ought to contribute to the battle against such an insidious crime," says Clarke.
During the recession, truck crime which was always a serious problem, grew to become a major attack on the livelihood of hauliers. Now as the security at commercial premises and warehouses is getting better thieves are increasingly turning to softer targets. Unprotected commercial vehicles present the perfect opportunity and their vulnerability, although obvious to the criminal, still seems to escape the notice of many hauliers.
The figures for theft of, or from commercial vehicles are rising steadily yet operators remain reluctant to spend the relatively small amounts needed to protect their vehicles effectively. The value of a modern truck plus its load can easily exceed a quarter of a million pounds, yet most security devices only cost hundreds. This is an area of running a transport business which can no longer be neglected but often is until it is too late.
For this reason the attitude of insurance companies is getting tougher, especially in the light commercial sector. It is tempting for van operators to fit DIY car alarms but insurers are beginning to insist that approved systems are fitted before they will insure.
There is now a code of practice in operation for the quality of security installations. BS 6803 (part 3) sets the standard of work expected from professional installers and hauliers should always use a professional when fitting security systems to a vehicle. Only then can operators expect to take advantage of any discounts on offer.
CM editor Brian Weatherley says that there are new pressures being put on operators to make sure their security is up to scratch. "Over the past five years, hauliers have been made to take increasing responsibility for the security of their loads and their vehicles. Now, in order to achieve any kind of meaningful comprehensive insurance cover, hauliers can no longer assume that locking a cab is a sufficient execution of their responsibilities. Hauliers can no longer ignore the fact that they are now going to have to make the running on security in order to satisfy the needs of their insurance company," says Weatherley.
As the security devices become more sophisticated so do the criminals. It is a constantly changing picture with the security companies struggling to stay ahead of the professional truck thief. It is no longer just a matter of having an alarm. Operators should be looking at a layered approach to security, starting with good locks as the first line of defence.
Once past the locks, immobilisers preferably combined with an alarm, should be the next problem encountered by the thief. If these don't stop him then a good tracker will prevent him getting away.
The makers and installers of these devices are listed in the Trucktheft Action Pack which contains their contact numbers and product descriptions. There is also advice on how to prevent your vehicle being a soft target.
Protected There is no real substitute for good crime prevention. If your premises is properly protected, the thief will think twice before targeting your vehicles. For this reason the pack contains the contact number of your local police crime prevention officer who will be able to make a security audit of your premises and advise you on a plan of action to get your security arrangements up to date. Also, most good security equipment companies will be willing to visit your yard and advise you of what is needed.
There is also advice in the pack on what to do if you become the victim of truck crime and it provides a guide to the information the police will require from you when reporting the crime. This includes a vehicle record form which you should fill in for each vehicle in your fleet and keep for easy reference in an emergency.
The Trucktheft Action Pack will be sold through the pages of Commercial Motor, or through Iveco Ford Truck dealers. The pack will also be on sale at this year's Tipcon and Truckfest '94.
"It is quite clear through the pages of Commercial Motor's Crimeline that truck theft is growing, and that many hauliers are becoming increasingly frustrated with how they can actually handle the problem," says Weatherley. "This pack is designed to do one thing -to help people deal with the problem before they become a victim."