Help Stop Thieves

Help Stop Thieves - Keep Your Lorry or Van Secure.

The theft of lorries, vans the fuel or their contents can be extremely costly to businesses.  Follow these simple tips to minimise the risk:

*Remove the keys and lock the doors whenever the vehicle is left unattended, even for just a minute.

*Drive with the doors locked in order to deter thieves who may try to enter the vehicle when it is stationary.

*When parking overnight try to use approved locations if possible.  Avoid dark, isolated places,  If you can, park in a way that prevents   access to the rear doors.

*Try to travel in convoy with other trusted drivers when delivering high value or vulnerable loads.

*Beware if anyone asks you to sop.  Thieves may try to distract you by claiming to have had a puncture, have been in an accident or by   asking for help.

*Don't talk to others about what you're doing, where you're going or what you're carrying.

*When returning to an unattended vehicle, always check for signs of tampering with doors, seals, straps or sheets.

*Don't offer lifts in your vehicle.

*Vary your routine, so thieves can't predict when you will stop.

*Keep your keys in a safe place.  Don't have anything on the key ring, which makes it obvious which vehicle the keys are for.

*When tools and equipment are not being used, ensure they are kept securely in a lockable store rather than in your vehicle.

*Keep a list of tools, together with serial numbers and any identifying marks.  You can do this at www.immobilise.com.  This will help to   trace them back to you if they are stolen and recovered.

*To prevent fuel theft, refuel just before a planned journey rather than leaving a vehicle fully fuelled overnight.  Consider using locked     fuel caps.

*If you realise a theft from your vehicle is going on, don't leave the safety of your cab.  Lock the doors, start the engine, switch on the     lights and if necessary sound the horn to attract attention.

For more advice contact your local Crime Prevention Design Advisor.  Details are on our website:  www.westmercia.police.uk

We are also encouraging community's to call us on 101 if they see anyone acting suspiciously around a vehicle.

If you have information about any suspected crime, please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk.

If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you ever feel at risk, or a crime is in progress, please always dial 999. 

Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime.