Fleets across the UK have been contending with high fuel prices for some years now, and due to recent unrest in the Middle East, the cost of fuel isn’t likely to come down anytime soon.
As fuel costs rise, so does fuel theft. And some fuel thieves are actively targeting HGVs and other fleet vehicles.
In this post we’ll take a quick look at the current scale of UK fuel theft, before exploring how you can protect your vehicles from thieves.
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
UK Fuel Theft – What’s Going On?
Following recent conflict in the Middle East, the price of petrol has risen by around 20% in the UK, and the price of diesel by up to 34%. Corresponding with these price rises, there’s been a significant rise in drive-off fuel thefts, in which motorists simply drive away from forecourts without paying. And many forecourts have reported a rise No Means of Payment (NMoP) incidents, in which customers fill up even though they have no way of paying.
How and Why Are Thieves Targeting HGVs?
Some thieves are targeting cars and HGVs instead of forecourts. In some cases, they use pipes to siphon fuel from the vehicles’ fuel tanks. But as some vehicles are fitted with anti-siphoning technology, other thieves are drilling directly into the fuel tank.
Thieves seem to be targeting HGVs, and larger vehicles such as vans and Range Rovers, due to their sizeable fuel tanks.
The Cost of Fuel Theft For UK Fleets
If a thief steals fuel from one of your vehicles, it could lead to much greater costs than you might expect. There can be major costs, including:
- The cumulative cost of stolen fuel, especially for fleets or highly-targeted vehicles like HGVs.
- If a thief drills into a vehicle’s fuel tank.
- Fuel siphoning could still contaminate the vehicle’s fuel system. Starting a vehicle with contaminated fuel in the system could lead to significant damage.
So, any vehicle that’s been targeted by thieves will likely need a costly servicing before you can drive it again.
Fuel theft will also affect your fleet’s overall efficiency, as you’ll have to take vehicles out of action while you deal with the situation. And as it could lead to uncertainty, lost shifts, and unexpected changes to rotas, it could also affect your drivers’ morale.
How To Protect Your Vehicles From Fuel Theft
Depot security
Your fleet vehicle depot should be as secure as possible to help to deter thieves.
- CCTV
- Security lights
- Lockable gates
- Bollards
- Onsite security staff c
Public parking
But thieves may target some vehicles when they are parked in public places. So, you should:
- Instruct your drivers to only ever park in well-lit areas with CCTV coverage
- Fit anti-siphon devices
- Introduce reinforced locking caps
- Provide dash-cams
- Add alarms and immobilisers
Driver training
Make sure every driver understands the risks of fuel theft, and the measures they can take to prevent it. They should also be able to spot the signs that they’ve been a victim of fuel theft. As we mentioned above, starting a vehicle with a contaminated fuel system could lead to further damage.
So, they should:
- Look out for signs of damage or tampering, including forced fuel caps and holes in the fuel tank.
- Know what steps to take in the event of fuel theft: Who to notify, how to take care of themselves, and who to contact for assistance.
Supporting Your Fleet Through Uncertain Times
Steve Blackmore, Director at Anthony Jones says: “Rising fuel costs are a problem for all businesses, but they hit fleets particularly hard.
“Effective fuel management can make a huge difference to your ongoing efficiency. But a single case of fuel theft can still bring your operations to a grinding halt.
“Our fleet risk experts can advise you on the steps you can take to keep your vehicles and your drivers safe. We can also help you access the specialist fleet insurance you need to cover you for the unexpected.”
For more information on how we can help you and your fleet, get in touch with us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
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