Disappointingly, motor vehicle theft is on the rise as new figures recently published from the Home Office demonstrate that vehicle theft has increased by 50% in the last 5 years.
In a recent article published by fleetnews.com – Vehicle thefts have increased by almost 50% in the last five years. RAC’s Insurance director Mark Godfrey, highlighted his concerns and the financial impact to drivers and motor vehicle owners where commercial vehicles are being regularly targeted. He reiterated that with reduced Police presence on our streets, the vehicle theft issue is escalating and showing no sign of diminishing.
How businesses can fight back vehicle theft
Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) explained how hard the industry was working to tackle the ongoing problem and that manufacturers were investing billions of pounds, “Industry works closely with the Home Office, police authorities and other agencies to share intelligence in the fight against vehicle crime and fully supports this initiative as part of intensive efforts to stay one step ahead of the criminals.”
He also went onto explain that technology had a key role to play in reducing vehicle crime, with the installation of sophisticated immobilisers, tracking devices and encrypted key codes.
In response to this, fortunately the UK government has recognised the problem. Policing minister Nick Hurd recently announced the launch of a new taskforce aimed to tackle, reduce and prevent vehicle crime, in an effort to promote best practice. The taskforce replicates the same mode used to reduce London moped-related crime which fell by a third from January to October 2018 compared to the same period during 2017.
Does your company operate fleet cars and vans, or haulage vehicles? Here at JRW Risk Solutions we support commercial businesses across the UK with motor-fleet insurance to those commercial businesses who operate multiple vehicles. To find out how we can support your company, please contact us today or see our motor-fleet insurance and courier / haulage insurance for more details.
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