Crime wave sparks demand for theft-prevention devices
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By the CM team
THE MD OF a company offering specialist tracking devices for tankers and trailers says business is brisk after a spate of thefts across northern England.
Nick Wilkinson from Wiganbased Fleetsmart has been surprised by the interest generated by the recent introduction of a selfpowered tracking device, small enough to be placed in vehicle lights, into the UK market.
“Our focus is traditionally around leet management, but it’s surprising how much theft [prevention] is increasingly creeping into our business,” says Wilkinson.
One of the irm’s customers is Warrington haulier Stephen J Tabner & Sons, which had a tractor unit and tanker stolen in July (CM 4 August).
Since then, DHL Supply Chain has been hit by the theft of four stainless-steel tankers, worth £250,000 collectively, from client Synthomer’s depot in Ossett, Wakeield (23 August).
Although the units were recovered, transport and maintenance irm the Winteringham Group has suffered since with two trailers loaded with grey-painted steelwork stolen from its customer Elland Steel Structure’s site in Gibbet Street, Halifax, on Bank Holiday Monday (29 August).
Meanwhile, Lochaber Transport Services in the Scottish Highlands, has suffered its ifth DAF tractor unit theft this year.
● Drivers using Ulceby Truckstop near the Port of Immingham are being given access to real-time information on crime hotspots, trafic and safe parking locations.
The live information is being provided through TV screens setup by the joint private-public North Sea Freight Intelligent Transport Solutions initiative.
The scheme aims to improve eficiency, safety and security in countries across the North Sea region.