Vehicle crime accounts for a large proportion of all reported crime in the UK, in fact figures show that there can be up to 1.7 million vehicle related thefts in a year. For most van users their van and its contents are their livelihood and theft of a van and its contents can be particularly damaging for small businesses.
One of the UK’s leading van insurance specialists Gladiator is offering the following advice to all van owners to help prevent crime.
- When leaving your van unattended, never leave anything in view. Always remove or lock your equipment out of sight.
- Make sure all your doors are locked and windows are tightly closed, even if you are only leaving your van for a short period.
- Install a suitable security alarm and/or immobiliser which can have the added bonus of actually reducing your insurance premium.
- Never leave your keys in your van, especially when loading or unloading. Look after your keys the same as you would other personal possessions such as cash or credit cards.
- Having your windows etched with your car’s registration number helps deter thieves who would have to replace all the glass before selling on the van.
- Whenever possible, try and keep your van parked off the road, in a garage or behind closed gates.
- Try and park outside your workplace where you can keep an eye on your van easily.
- Take out extra insurance cover to ensure your goods, tools and equipment are properly insured. Many policies can be tailored to suit individual needs.
Chris Price, Gladiator’s managing director said, "People should always be aware of the potential risks of van crime. The greater level of protection you have, the more you will deter potential thieves. These simple precautions could save you a lot of time and distress in the long run."
Issue date: 19th March 2007 |
