GPS Vehicle Tracking Can Help Protect HGVs and Their Loads From Theft

Copyright (c) 2011 Alison Withers

Home Office statistics show that more than 3000 Heavy Goods Vehicles are stolen in the UK each year while only 12% are ever recovered and it has put out a leaflet to help owners and drivers to protect their property.

If the worst should happen and either vehicle or container is stolen, GPS.

Most companies issue security instructions to drivers and these should be properly understood and followed.

Other advice is to plan the route beforehand so that the driver does not have to stop to ask for directions and avoid if possible using a regular route using the same stops for newspapers, drinks or meals. It is a possibility that the current economic situation in 2011 will lead to more HGV and container theft as people find their incomes stretched and struggle with rising prices and the VAT increase, when buying goods more cheaply on the black market can seem more attractive.

The leaflet has some sound advice for drivers when they are out on the road that may help protect the lorries and the loads they are carrying.

They include, for example, trying to park somewhere where the vehicle is in sight when the driver stops for a meal break. Parking with the loading doors close to another vehicle or a wall to prevent them being opened is also a good idea. Of course, whenever the driver is away from the vehicle they should make sure that cab and all other doors are properly locked and if they are transporting a container check that its seals are unbroken when they return to the vehicle.

These should include what to do in an emergency. It is also advised never to give anyone a lift and never leave keys in the vehicle.

If the driver is on a long trip and has personal equipment in the cab, they should be kept well out of sight.

The tractor unit odf an HGV is an expensive and essential piece of business equipment for owner drivers, without which they cannot do their job. Half of these vehicles are stolen from their own premises, but the the contents of the containers they are carrying are an attractive proposition to thieves when they are out on the road.

There is technology that can help keep loads and vehicles under surveillance even while in transit. GPS technology for vehicle tracking fitted into the tractor and also on inside the container can be linked to the office computer.

It can be configured to send a signal at regular short intervals to allow for vehicle tracking. It is also possible to input co-ordinates so that it quickly becomes obvious if the vehicle is no longer on the route it should be. Businesses with large fleets of delivery lorries, especially in the retail sector, especially if the vehicles are parked in yards ready-loaded waiting for a driver.

If the worst happens and the vehicle or container is stolen, GPS vehicle tracking will provide the location co-ordinates help the police to find them and recover the stolen property.

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