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Preventing vehicle theft

May 2009

Vehicle theft is a widespread problem in the UK; latest Home Office statistics reveal there were a staggering 1,497,000 vehicle-related thefts across the UK between 2007/08. Many of us are guilty of sitting back with the ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude but the hard facts show that car and van crime is a very real threat. which can happen to anyone at any time.

For the self employed, your work van or vehicle is your lifeline. Without it, quite simply, the working week doesn’t happen. Every day without your wheels can mean a day’s loss of income. With the country now officially in recession, a day’s loss of income can make a significant difference to the profitability and future of your company.

Losing your vehicle can result in the inconvenience of having no means of getting to work or important appointments and it can mean you’re unable to work, as most of your tools are often kept in the back of your van. To minimise the impact this can have on your future earnings, exploring options to make your vehicle safer has to be a top priority.

There are ways of making your van safer which needn’t cost the earth, having security measures in place is very strongly associated with lower levels of thefts. Installing security devices could not only save you the inconvenience of a stolen van and possibly loss of earnings, it could, if you shop wisely, reduce your insurance premium. For all van drivers and small business owners who would like to reduce their overheads, read on…

Most vehicle theft is opportunistic and therefore preventable. The use of alarms and immobilisers can be a great way to prevent your van, or its contents, from being stolen. Many of us believe purchasing an alarm or immobiliser is an expensive option. You can offset this cost with insurance providers however, such as Budget Van Insurance, who offers up to ten per cent off your insurance policy, depending on the security system you have fitted.

Bear in mind that most thieves are highly practiced and can negotiate their way past some alarms and immobilisers in a couple of seconds. For this reason, it is critical to make sure the correct system is fitted when purchasing your van or fitting it one into your existing vehicle. Professional advice should be sought from a reputable garage/installer or by visiting the Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB) for advice online.

Some insurers, including Budget Van Insurance, offer a discount where a Thatcham level one security device (alarm and immobiliser) is fitted and a smaller discount for a Thatcham level two device. Drivers should be aware that anything below this level may not even be considered by their insurance company.

Although there can never be any guarantee your vehicle will not be a target, there are steps you can take to throw thieves off your track in the first place. Taking extra precautions could save you a lot of time, effort and emotional stress in the long run. Simple steps include:

  • Removing – where possible – detachable items from your vehicle
  • Locking all doors and windows
  • Keeping all items inside your vehicle out of view

You may be surprised to know cigarettes and loose change can be a big enough incentive to break into your vehicle. A lesser known fact is that non-branded vans are less attractive to thieves. Locking your van in a garage overnight will also help protect it from thieves.

You might also want to consider a wheel lock. If thieves see this through the window, they are less likely to attempt to steal your vehicle, compared with one without a lock parked in the next bay. Another good tip is to have your vehicle number professionally etched, for example on the windows and the chassis; this makes it easier for the police to trace your van in the eventuality of it being stolen.

These measures might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people don't think twice about leaving their tom-tom, stereo or mobile phone on display. It shouldn't come as a surprise that we're experiencing record numbers of reports of thefts of these attractive, and easy to sell-on items. Many of these security precautions are simple and cost nothing – just time and common sense.