Security Camera Systems

Pick up a newspaper today and you'll almost certainly come across a headline relating to some kind of car crime or another. If it's not car-jacking it'll be the theft of a van and its contents. Nothing, it would appear, is safe anymore.

For LCV operators, security is fast becoming the most important issue after whole life costs. The way in which the problem is tackled, though, is dependent upon three major parameters: the type of vehicles you run, the type of operating profile they have, and the type, and more particularly value, of the cargo carried.

Loads that have an obvious high value, for example cash in transit, have very specific security aspects, and necessitate the use of specialist armoured vehicles and security-trained staff. These loads are normally the target of professional criminals, while electronic goods and consumer items carried in standard panel vans may easily be targeted by organised criminals or the opportunist thief alike.

For such loads we need to look closely at the first parameter--the vehicle's operating profile.

Vans that simply run from warehouse to retail outlet are less likely to fall foul of the opportunist thief as these are both theoretically secure areas. However, the high street delivery van is much easier prey. Here the risk is mainly the theft of the cargo from an unattended van, rather than the van itself, but given the temptation there will always be someone willing to drive off in a vehicle if the driver leaves the keys in it.

To combat the opportunist, the van needs to be easy to lock. Central locking is virtually essential and slam locks are also a good idea, although in theory it is possible to lock the keys inside the van. With remote-controlled--or driver's door--operated central locking this is not possible.

Surprisingly few vans have central locking as standard. Ford, Renault and Vauxhall, however, stand out and the Transit incorporates deadlocks in addition. However, most makers have central locking on the options list and it is becoming increasingly common for fleets to specify it--indeed, many insurers include it in their recommended level of protection.

Physical security is hard to beat. Fitting a full bulkhead and unglazed rear doors with deadlocks deters would-be thieves, compared to glass, which offers relative ease of entry. In addition, high security locks should be fitted on a Luton's roller door.

Having made the cargo secure, the next phase is to protect against the theft of the van itself. Here the opportunist thief is a less likely threat, although the lengths that the thief will go to depend upon the value of the load. There is a trade in stolen vans, just the same as cars, but it is the value of the load which is the prize.

Get it alarmed

Immobilisers are best if they are incorporated into the key as this is quicker for the driver to operate, especially for multi-drop operations. The vast majority of new vans have engine immobilisers fitted, although few have full alarm systems. Alarm systems are of benefit if the van is parked overnight with its load on board, as well as for workshop vehicles kitted out with tools, particularly if they are parked at the driver's residential address.

One of the best physical barriers are locks that fit over the van's pedals. Not only do they tend to make the thief's job more difficult but, by forcing him to work in the footwell, also mean that it is impossible for him to maintain a lookout. Again, physical security should be considered here--from chain locks for trailers and even yard gates, to wheel clamps and locking posts for the light commercials.

However, in situations where vehicles are always parked at the operator's premises overnight, the question must be asked, why secure individual vans when securing the yard may be of more benefit?

If the vans are loaded with a cargo that can be carried by hand, it is vital to secure the yard. This requires the installation of fences, cameras and even guard dogs. However, if the van solely needs protection from being driven away, physical measures such as banking or ditches around the yard are worthwhile. This means only the gate needs to be high security.

Keep a track on it

From an insurance point of view, retrieval of the stolen van is the next priority. Utilising the cellular telephone network and localised transmitters, vehicle location systems such as that offered by Tracker lead police vehicles, equipped with a receiver, straight to the van.

The system is advocated by the police as it very often yields additional non-equipped stolen vehicles, while the insurance companies favour it as in many situations it recovers the vehicle and load intact before the criminals have had chance to dispose of either.

With all security measures it is important to speak to your insurers. Standard fit immobilisers and deadlocks have a bearing on the vehicle's insurance group, but when fitting after-market devices, always look for approval from vehicle security testing expert Thatcham and consult your insurers on a reduction in premiums. This also applies to security at your premises.

There is almost no such thing as a theft-proof vehicle but the harder you make it for a thief the more likely he is to give up and steal something that's easier to break into. As the police advertisement slogan goes: Lock it or Lose it!

ARRESTING INFORMATION

Operators carrying valuable loads should not underestimate the sophistication of professional criminals. The growing trend towards hijacking of goods vehicles is matched by targeting vehicles. It is not unheard of for criminals to mark a vehicle parked at a service area in a way that will identify it to accomplices waiting for it elsewhere en route.

Educate your drivers to be vigilant of anyone looking around the vehicle when parked. Inform the police and the fleet operator, and change route if necessary. However, the advice from the police is not to confront or tackle individuals--at best they'll be scared off to carry out their deeds another day and at worst may assault the driver.

Remember that the lifeblood of theft is opportunity. You wouldn't leave your laptop on the rear seat of your company car, or your mobile phone on the dashboard when parked, yet your vehicles may proudly proclaim their contents to the world in large letters down the van's sides. Liveries that do not describe the van's contents and hint at its value are a better idea. Organised criminals do not waste their energies breaking into plain, unglazed vans just to see what's in there. They look for rich pickings.

It might seem extreme but take a leaf from the security carriers' book- vary the route and time of a regular delivery if possible and tell your drivers not to leave delivery dockets on view in the cab when the van is parked.

You might want to consider these 12 tips for added security of your LCVs:

* Ensure yard or depot facilities are secure

* Install cctv

* When out of depot, use secure parking if possible

* Park in well-lit areas at night

* Fit electronic immobilisers to vans

* Fit tracking devices to vans

* Fit wheel clamps to trailers

* Park strategically to protect loaded vehicles with empty ones

* Consider liveries that do not advertise valuable loads

* Educate drivers on the pitfalls of talking about loads/routes in service areas

* Check vehicles for minor damage to locks

* Check vehicles for minor damage used as marking by criminals.

COPYRIGHT 2002 DMG World Media Ltd.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group