Commercial Vehicle Fleet Operators Being Targeted By Theft

Keyless’ Vehicle Theft Affecting Vans, with Ford Transit, Ford Transit Connect & Mercedes-Benz Sprinters The police have warned commercial fleet operators of an increase in ‘keyless’ vehicle theft affecting vans, with Ford Transit, Ford Transit Connect and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters most at risk of being stolen. The warning came from superintendent Paul Keasey of West Midlands Police, head of the UK’s Central Motorway Police Group, speaking at the National Light Commercial Vehicle Workshop. Keasey said keyless vehicle theft was a national issue, with London as the worst affected. He said: “The technology is no longer just in the higher end of the market, it’s used by all producers of vans, and vans are using it because it’s the new gimmick. “The fact criminals want to do something with it is something we need to be much more aware of as we move forward.” Some criminals are bypassing manufacturers’ security software by purchasing legitimate equipment normally used by garages. This technology is readily available online to anybody – including car thieves. One national fleet manager told delegates his business has had a small number of vans stolen in the past, taken by thieves using such equipment. He said: “I must admit, when we first heard of it we thought it was people just taking the Mick. “When we saw the devices coming up for sale on internet auction sites, we started to believe it. “I think the biggest issue for us is the after-effect. You can resolve the loss of equipment or vehicles relatively easily, but it’s the loss of customer appointments and disappointed customers which affect us the most.” Laura Parker, commercial vehicle specialist at Ford of Britain, said: “The problem is exacerbated by the purchase and supply of equipment used for vehicle thefts being unregulated. “Ford is working with partners including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the police, independent vehicle security experts Thatcham and others to ascertain the extent of the problem. Mercedes-Benz, another one of the manufacturers affected, said that it was working with the police. “Both products are designed to prevent unauthorised component removal.” Keasey advised van operators to consider more traditional forms of security, such as fitting steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake locks. However, Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the FTA, expressed caution when securing vans against thieves. “You can get to the stage where you put so much security equipment on a vehicle, that if a thief does get in, they wreck the vehicle in doing so,” he said. “If they’re determined enough, they will get in.” Parker added: “Ford has recently launched a new security product programme in conjunction with Trade Vehicle Locks, an industry-leading supplier of security products to the automotive industry, to help van owners and operators enhance the security of their vehicles.” aide automotive offer a range of security products such as; Fuel Anti Siphon products for Vans. OBD Diagnostic Security Guards Stop Commercial Vehicle Theft! Contact aide automotive today!