Security issues

The theft of a lorry and /or load can have a significant impact on drivers, particularly for smaller operators and owner/ drivers. John Loughran reports.

sDrivers / owner operators can do a lot to prevent thefts and reduce the chance of being a victim of crime. Drivers need to be alert to the threat of vehicle crime at all times, and should always remember that vehicle crime can be prevented by taking some basic precautions.
Security experts say that a driver should plan his / route in advance wherever possible and avoid regular routes and stopping places. Organised criminals will observe drivers and vehicles for a period of time to build up information about routes, lorry movements and drivers prior to carrying out their crimes.

Drivers are also advised to avoid discussing what they are carrying with other drivers and customers.
Nearly half of stolen vehicles are stolen when keys are left in the ignition. Drivers should always lock the vehicle and take the keys with them, even if they are only away for a short time. It takes seconds for a thief to drive a vehicle away and if keys are left in the ignition, the vehicle’s insurance may be invalidated.

Drivers are also advised to lock their cab when driving and when exiting the vehicle. The most commonly stolen item is drivers' personal kit, including telephones, wallets and other personal effects from unattended unlocked cabs.
Drivers are advised to lock their doors when out on the road to stop thieves from simply climbing up into the cab from the passenger door. Drivers are also advised to protect their identity including documents and company issued clothing. Thieves use shipping orders, consignment notes and company paperwork along with high visibility clothing to and collect loads.
Stolen vehicles cost operators in terms of disruption, lost profits, loss of client faith and potential loss of subsequent contracts. Additional uninsured losses further add to the misery of a stolen vehicle and for smaller companies, the loss of a vehicle and / or goods could spell financial ruin. A stolen truck can be stripped in minutes.

Owners / transport managers are advised to work with their staff to minimise the threat of vehicle crime. Staff are a crucial element in reducing crime. Make security awareness a part of the working day and ensure that staff do not discuss information about loads, routes and drivers on the telephone.
Criminals will call transport offices and pretend to be a customer to acquire specific information about load movements. This information is then used to steal specific vehicles. Don't be fooled!

Depot Security is perhaps one of the most important areas to get right as movements of people and goods present opportunities for criminals to steal vehicles.
There is a considerable amount of advice available from state of the art technical systems to taking simple precautions such as ensuring that loading doors are closed when not in use to restricted entry in to the warehouse.

Perimeter fencing is the first line of defence to external attack and will go a long way to control unauthorised access to the depot. The type of fencing will vary according to requirements and can be natural (hedges), wooden or metal fencing, welded mesh or expanded metal, with or without ant-climb features. An important consideration is not to provide a secluded area where thieves can work unseen.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems are now well within the reach of most businesses. Whether hiring or buying, digital systems provide an excellent deterrent and accurate evidential record for use by security staff or police. Modern systems can be overt and/or covert, operate in low light conditions and be linked to alarm systems and/or digital recording systems.
Good lighting will deter thieves who generally prefer to work unseen. Lighting can be passive or active, working on heat or motion sensors and/or infrared to improve night time visibility. Good lighting will have the additional benefit of reducing the fear of crime for staff and visitors and assist in the recognition of offenders from CCTV images.

The type of lighting needed will depend on the level of risk, the geography of the area and the type of surveillance in place
A significant amount of crime is supported by “inside@ information. Staff that come into contact with stock or details of routes, schedules and product details should be vetted to minimise the risk of collusion with and / or corruption by criminals.
Staff should also be on their guard against disclosing information to telephone callers as a recent trend has been for criminals to impersonate customers, security and police to acquire detailed information about loads, routes and drivers. Staff should be encouraged to request verification by calling back to a landline and having requests to re-route deliveries confirmed in writing, by fax or email.
Gates are an essential feature of perimeter protection. They should be constructed so that there is no possibility of access underneath and should be impossible to lift off the hinges. Additionally they should be secured with a welded locking plate and quality close shackle padlock or high security locking bar with an integral high security lock. Security guards should not be sited at exposed / remote locations on the perimeter or if unavoidable, should have some form of panic / attack alarm and/ or code signal in the event of attack.

Goods should be arranged as far as possible so that valuable items are stacked where they are under immediate observation and away from entrances, rest rooms, lavatories and exits. Access should be reduced to a minimum and only authorised personnel admitted. The same warehouse crews should not be permitted to load for the same driver on a permanent basis if this can be avoided, as this could encourage collusion in the theft of goods. Consider the use of CCTV and a thumbprint scheme within the goods in office to prevent bogus collection note thefts.

A properly installed alarm system can help to protect your property. The technology in alarm design is continually improving and systems can range from audible-only to fully monitored types. For the business user a 24/7 centrally monitored system is strongly recommended.

Load Security
Fully loaded trailers left in yards overnight or at weekends present a tempting target for organised criminals. Experience has shown that they will bring their own tractor units into industrial premises and steal unattended trailers left with no additional security. Consider additional security devices such as king pin locks and / or devices to prevent landing legs being lifted and security sheeting to prevent curtain sided vehicles being cut open.