Cargo vans, commercial vehicles, and technical equipment are increasingly being targeted for theft, and according to Freight Watch International, fleet thefts are up 15% from 2014. This increase is in part due to the rise in the cost of new and used equipment, which makes acquiring these items much more lucrative. Fleet break-ins can occur at any time and any place! Learn how to deter theft with these tips from Adrian Steel.
GPS Tracking
Newer commercial vehicles come equipped with a GPS fleet tracking system, however if your van is a little behind-the-times, it’s easy to pick up a GPS and install a mount in your vehicle. A GPS will help you get from job to job in a timely fashion while the mount will keep the GPS within reach. Once installed, set-up alerts to monitor exceptions during both working and non-working hours, and make sure you set up the correct alerts, so you’re ready to respond if you do experience theft.
Take stock
It’s extremely difficult to account for things after they’re gone, so keep an accurate inventory of equipment that remains in the vehicle at night. Tools and equipment should be marked with permanent identifiers and cataloged to increase the chances of recovery. It would also be beneficial to provide documentation or video surveillance footage for law enforcement and insurance reporting purposes.
Protect your cargo
If you’re concerned about keeping your cargo safe, then it is important to invest in products that secure the cargo area of your fleet. Upfitting your vehicles with a bulkhead or partition is a simple solution to the problem. Adrian Steel offers several, high-quality accessories that will make your cargo vehicle much more efficient and organized. An Adrian Steel bulkhead will keep you safe from injury of tools and cargo.
Wire window screens
Upfitting your vehicle with a bulkhead protects the cargo area, but what about the cabin? Another option you should consider to keep your fleet safe is installing wire window screens, which prevents theft even when windows are broken.
Invest in a security system
According to Automotive Fleet Magazine, the majority of fleet managers experienced an average of two vehicles stolen per year, and most of these thefts occurred after business hours. Investing in an onsite security system, whether it’s a simple CCTV system or an advanced fully integrated access control system, you could save you up to $5,000 per year in stolen equipment. If you have a small budget and can’t afford an advanced security system, there are simple measures you can take to deter theft and vandalism. For example, making sure your parking lot is well-lit at night and keeping high-valued equipment and tools inside your facility after hours.
Keep your fleet safe with an Adrian Steel Upfit!
Browse all Adrian steel cargo van upfit options to find the products that are perfect for your needs. Find an authorized Adrian Steel distributor to start designing your cargo van upfit today. To learn more about Adrian Steel’s products, give us a call (800) 677-2726 or send us an email at info@dev.adriansteel.com.
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