Issue 51 - June 2013
Protect your profits and reputation against the rising threat of fuel theft
L
ondon alone saw a 23.7 % rise in recorded fuel thefts from vehicles, with just 11 of these resulting in a prosecution in 2012. Thieves are resorting to either siphoning out fuel directly from the tank, or drilling holes through the bottom of the vehicle to gain access to the fuel tank. The impact this can have on your profit margins is devastating. Chrys Rampley, security manager for the Road Haulage Association (RHA), explains that fuel taken from vehicles that are parked in lay-bys and depots can “wipe out the profit margin on a single job.� The repair of possible damage to your vehicle, coupled with the replacement of the fuel that has been stolen is simply the initial cost that may be incurred. The driver downtime may also eat into your profits, while unhappy customers can easily lead to a loss of business. Many companies have invested in CCTV systems in order to deter thieves from committing theft from a vehicle. However, the increases in fuel theft have failed to abate and fleet owners are now looking for a more innovative solution to protect their fuel and therefore their profits. GSS can provide a fuel alarm system to prevent thieves from getting away with crippling attacks on your fleet. When the ignition is switched off the alarm system automatically activates and provides constant surveillance of the vehicle's fuel and battery to prevent any attempts at tampering or theft. No operator action is required to provide full anti-theft cover whilst the vehicle is stationery – it is fully automatic. Once triggered, the system can send a text message or an e-mail to
www.gsldardan.co.uk Registered Office Brooke House, John Hyrne Way Longwater Business Park Norwich NR5 0AF t f
01 603 447000 01 603 447001
London
Over the last few years crude oil prices have steadily risen, giving thieves the opportunity and motivation to capitalise on these high prices
multiple contacts including key holders or security companies to advise them of possible theft. The system also comes with some additional options that make an attempt to steal fuel from your vehicle that much more difficult. A camera can also be fitted with the system to assist the authorities in identifying the perpetrators any attempted fuel theft on your vehicle. A 120 decibel alarm can also be integrated to alert anyone nearby that one of your vehicles has been compromised. LED lights can also act as a deterrent when used in conjunction with the fuel alarm system as they provide a visual deterrent to opportunists and career criminals alike who might have desires on the contents of your fuel tank. While fuel theft is certainly on the increase, the oil based products that power your engine are not the only lucrative prospects on your vehicle that might attract thieves. The fuel alarm system provided by GSS also detects any tampering with your battery. The value of modern car batteries is well known to anyone who relies on fleet vehicles to power their business. It is therefore essential that they receive the same degree of detection as your fuel. Similarly, the system has the capability to raise the alarm if your catalytic converter is tampered with.
e w
enquiries@gsldardan.co.uk www.gsldardan.co.uk @gsldardan