Your commercial fleet is an important part of your business, so it’s imperative your prevent your vehicles from being stolen or burglarized.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, an auto theft occurs about every 33 seconds in the U.S. That’s a total of 1 million vehicles each year that wind up in the hands of thieves at a cost of nearly $6.4 billion.
In addition to the cost of replacing a stolen vehicle, hidden costs can include loss of productivity, decreased revenue, car rental fees, cost of replacing equipment and valuables, and higher insurance premiums.
Simple Tips For All Drivers To Remember
An unlocked car or truck with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which antitheft device you use. Here are some common-sense tips to share with your company’s drivers:
• NEVER . . . leave a vehicle running unattended
• Remove keys from the ignition and don’t hide them inside a vehicle when it’s not in use
• Store any keys left in your workplace in a lockbox or safe
• Lock all doors and windows any time you step away from the vehicle
• Secure all equipment and valuables or take them with you
• Park your vehicle in well-lit and/or easily visible areas
In addition, if your vehicles are stored at your business location, keep them in a locked garage and/or consider installing a perimeter fence to prevent unauthorized individuals from being able to access your vehicles.
Tools To Help You Stop Vehicle Theft . . . BEFORE It Ever Happens
Thieves can bypass the ignition by hot-wiring a vehicle, but installing a vehicle-immobilizer system may help stop them from driving off with your property. Some devices disable vital automotive functions, preventing the engine from being started until a hidden switch is activated.
Others allow the vehicle to run for a short time and then stall, prompting the thief to abandon it.
Immobilizing devices include:
• Fuse cut-offs
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
• Kill switches n Smart keys with computer chips that must be present to start the engine
Anti-theft Devices As An Additional Deterrent
A number of anti-theft devices can deter or discourage a thief and alert you of forced entry into your vehicles.
Consider installing one or more of the following visible or audible anti-theft devices:
• Audible alarms • Window etching
• Theft deterrent decals • Brake locks
• Steering wheel locks • Laminated glass
• Steering column collars • Wheel locks
• Identification markers in or on the vehicle
GPS Tracking Systems for Better Fleet Safety Management
In addition to the preventive measures described above, one more line of defense is a vehicle tracking system. A GPS tracking system can provide for emergency or distress aid, as well as help in recovering a stolen vehicle.