March/April 1989
Are you being as cautious about potential theft of your company vehicles as you are about your own? CNA’s Fred Hilgart offers practical advice on safeguarding this valuable property, on and off your premises.
By Fred Hilgart
Fred Hilgart is a loss control consultant with the CNA Insurance Companies in Chicago.
Crime is increasing all across the country. Scrap recycling businesses are especially susceptible to costly thefts because their vehicles and equipment are valuable and may be poorly protected.
A theft may result in complete loss of a vehicle and its contents or partial loss, such as a stripped or wrecked vehicle or theft of materials. Potential losses can range from $40,000 to $200,000 for a vehicle plus equipment. Even when a vehicle is recovered, your business has lost its use--often for several weeks or longer.
You may have a false sense of security during daylight hours; yet vehicle theft during business hours--in broad daylight--is just as big a problem as at night. Vehicles and equipment are vulnerable: in your garage or on your lot, at job sites, in employees' home driveways, on streets and lots near gas stations and vehicle service garages, and in lots during employee coffee breaks.
Security controls can be a strong deterrent to the vehicle thief. Identify vulnerable situations and outline effective ways to eliminate exposures. Adequate vehicle
security systems should include these basics:
Control vehicle keys. The person assigned to the vehicle should have one set of keys plus a spare. A third set should be kept in a secure place on your premises.
Lock vehicle when not in use. Don't leave keys in the ignition even for a minute. This only invites theft. Don't "hide" keys in the ashtray, on the visor, or on the floor.
Store vehicles in a well-protected area. Never allow a vehicle to be left on streets or alleys or at a job site after business hours (especially with the keys inside). A fenced lot is ideal. Use a gate lock made of casehardened metal. Provide only one entrance/exit and, if possible, have someone control it. If your company is large or is located in an area with high theft risk, consider a watchman or a security force plus a sophisticated alarm system.
Train employees to be alert for suspicious persons. Ask employees to notify their supervisor immediately if they see any suspicious persons wandering around the facility or job site. The supervisor should ask the browser why he's there. Most thieves will case the area before they attempt to steal a vehicle.
Protect your vehicles off premises as you would on your lot. Don't leave tools, equipment, or supplies on open cars or trucks. Keep them out of sight in a closed, locked vehicle. Make sure vehicles not in use are locked and keys are removed. Ensure ample lighting is available. Alert police to the location of vehicles parked or stored overnight.
Post signs with warnings such as "Area Patrolled by Security Guards" or "Security Guards on Duty" to discourage thieves.
Use antitheft devices. Such devices include fuel cutoff devices, hidden ignition cutout switches, and alarm systems.
These are basic precautions you can take to discourage vehicle theft and protect your valuable equipment. For further information, contact your local police department; or the National Automobile Theft Bureau, 10330 South Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Illinois (312/430-5100). •