SECURITY
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—commonsense the basis
T AST MONTH 36 loaded heavy goods J—t vehicles were stolen in London. Areas worst hit were the East End, Southwark and Islington. The total value of the loads was £203,282, and they ranged from £500 worth of eggs to cigarettes valued at £75,000. Other items on the thieves shopping list included copper, brass, cosmetics, toys, confectionery, furniture and clothing.
A welcome omission at this time of the year was whisky and other spirits—none appeared on the November list--a good indication that security measures being taken by firms are paying dividends.
The November figures included seven cases of "hi-jacking", five of garage breaking and, sadly enough, 24 instances of unattended loaded lorries being stolen from the streets.
All but two of the vehicles had been recovered and 19 arrests made by midDecember.
Security is the remedy and common sense is the basis of security. I include here some of the elementary steps hauliers can take to reduce their losses. Elementary as some of this advice may seem, I repeat it because experience teaches us how unaware many operators are of the necessity for security.
Devices Many thefts of vehicles and their loads could have been prevented if a good security device had been fitted. The only security devices fitted to most vehicles are the door and ignition locks. In the case of diesels, even the latter may be missing.
There are many good devices available, some immobilizing the vehicle and others protecting accessories or loads. Some operate on the electrical system of the vehicle, some on the steering, and some on other aspects of the vehicle's mechanism. Steering locks may be operated by the same key which operates the ignition switch.
In general, we have found it more difficult to overcome a mechanical device than an electrical device. Another tip; the device should not demand too much extra effort on the part of the driver or he may forget to use it.
References
Thoroughly check references for at least six years. Be wary of unexplained gaps in employment. Examine driving licence, insurance cards and Form P.45, and take a photograph of the applicant before allowing him to take out a loaded vehicle. Remember documents could have been stolen and a photograph aids verifying true identity. Many employers now have their drivers photographed and issue them with identity cards bearing the photograph sealed in plastic to prevent forgery.
When you dispose of a vehicle, obliterate or remove all company insignia to prevent it being used for bogus operations.
Make your own garage or parking area as secure as possible, immobilizing all vehicles. Encourage the use of guarded lorry parks by issuing drivers with vouchers for overnight accommodation linked to a guarded park. Never leave loaded vehicles on the streets unattended or overnight.
Other points to remember: on hi-jacking —Warn drivers against the staged
"accident", "diversion" or "your-indexplate-has-fallen-off-mate" trick. Hi-jackers have even dressed up as policemen, so drivers should be prepared to drive to the nearest police station before opening the vehicle.
Petty theft: Doors should be locked and shutters secured with a good padlock whenever the vehicle is left, even for a short time.
Collusion: Encourage drivers to report immediately and confidentially an approach by prospective thieves.
Bogus collections: Check on unknown drivers collecting from clearing houses; and relief drivers taking over laden vehicles.
Lorry dragging: Inform Police if any loads are seen being transferred from one vehicle to another in the street.
Receivers: Behind every thief there is a receiver: if you have any information, pass it quickly to the police.
The VOC Join the Vehicle Observer Corps, the self-help organization formed within the road haulage industry. It costs nothing to join, but assists members and the Police to recover abandoned goods vehicles and their loads quickly. The security officer to the Road Haulage Association Ltd., Mr. Fred Byers, ao Atlas Express Ltd., Canon Beck Road, Rotherhithe, London, SE16, will welcome inquiries.
Finally, if you require free, skilled advice on any aspect of your security contact the crime prevention officer through your local police station.