Van theft can have devastating effects on businesses, with the loss of the van leading to periods of downtime, missing equipment, and potential long police and insurance admin. The issue continues to impact the UK, with a recent study from the DVLA concluding that a commercial vehicle is stolen every 46 minutes.
Ford Pro, Ford’s commercial division, has various mechanisms to combat vehicle theft to keep your business running smoothly.
Ford has developed a new feature to help multi-drop delivery drivers save time and keep the vehicle safe in between stops. Delivery Assist will automatically turn off the engine, close the windows, lock the doors and switch on hazard lights when the driver exits the vehicle. The van can be unlocked using the integral key-free entry system, and pressing the brake pedal restarts the engine and restores the windows to their previous position. Drivers can tailor the window, hazard light and locking automations to suit their needs.
Ford Pro offers armoured steering locks, as well as a range of digital monitoring and protection systems powered by the standard built-in vehicle modem. These include alerts if the doors are tampered with, the van is used out of set hours, or if it changes location without being started – which occurs when a van is stolen and towed away. Ford Pro Telematics’ vehicle security can also remotely lock and unlock the doors.
Vehicle tracking is another crucial tool in the fight against van theft. This advanced system allows fleet managers to monitor the real-time location of their vehicles, ensuring that any unauthorised movement is quickly detected and addressed. By integrating seamlessly with Ford Pro Intelligence, the tracking system provides comprehensive insights into vehicle usage, helping to identify potential security risks and optimise fleet operations.
Additionally, we recommends the use of Faraday pouches to prevent keyless entry theft. These pouches block signals from key fobs, making it impossible for thieves to amplify the signal and gain access to the vehicle. By storing your keys in a Faraday pouch, you can add an extra layer of security, ensuring that your van remains protected even when parked in high-risk areas.
By implementing these measures, businesses can minimise the risk of theft and ensure the smooth operation of their fleets.
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We have also produced a guide to help prevent tool theft, which you can read here.