If you are a man (or woman) with a courier van, you want to be a man (or woman) with a plan – a security plan, that is. There’s nothing worse than falling victim to a criminal breaking into, damaging and/or stealing from your vehicle, especially if you are an owner driver whose business relies on this particular mode of transportation. Instead of backtracking to solve issues once they have arisen, nip them in the bud with these simple tips and tricks. After all, prevention is better than a cure.
Lock Up
Okay, okay, this first one may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how easy it can be to neglect something as simple as checking to make sure your doors and windows are shut and locked. You should do this whenever you leave your vehicle, even if you are just popping into a shop to pay for your petrol. Many thieves are opportunists who will not hesitate to steal from an unlocked courier van – and can do so in record time. Taking the few extra seconds to lock up no matter what could save you in the long run.
Park Like a Pro
The best spot to park your courier van is somewhere well-lit, busy and covered by CCTV. Criminals tend to be cowardly, so it is far less likely they will take the risk of breaking into your vehicle if there is a chance they will be caught either by a bystander or on camera. When parking at work or at home you can increase your security by investing in rising bollards, lockable gates and/or motion-sensor lights.
Don’t Leave Your Valuables
If you do not want anything important stolen from your courier van, the simplest solution is to not leave valuables inside your vehicle. This includes your tools, sat nav, tablet, computer and phone. It may seem like a good idea to lock some of these items in your glove compartment – however that is not necessarily safe and secure, as a thief who has broken into your van will likely have no qualms jimmying the glove compartment open as well. To give yourself peace of mind, take everything of importance inside with you.
Keep a Record
Keeping an inventory of what you carry in your courier van is a good idea – and for the most expensive items, it is well worth it to hold onto your receipts in case something happens and you need to file an insurance claim. That way, you will have proof of purchase.
Whether you’re an owner driver whose business depends on their vehicle or a driver in charge of one of your company’s vans, making sure you are as secure as possible is important – and these top tips can help you do just that. Better safe than sorry, right?
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier work in the express freight exchange industry. Numerous transport exchange businesses are networked together on their website, trading jobs and capacity through what is now the fastest growing Freight Exchange in the UK.
This article is copyright free.