Securing vehicle fleets present unique challenges. The large outdoor spaces and high-value assets make these sites attractive targets for criminals. Understanding the types of offenders who may target your site can help in devising effective security measures. Typically, these sites face threats from three types of offenders: Opportunistic, Disorganized, and Organized.
Opportunistic Offenders
Opportunistic offenders are the most common but also the easiest to deter. Often juveniles or habitual offenders, these individuals seek easy targets and are typically driven by opportunity rather than premeditation. Their activities can range from nuisance behaviour to more severe crimes like theft, vandalism, and arson.
How to Combat Them:
- Secure Vehicles: Ensure all vehicles are locked and keys are stored securely.
- Store Tools and Equipment: Put away and secure all tools and easily transportable assets.
- Move Valuables Away from Perimeters: Store high-value items, such as valuable vehicle parts and accessories, away from perimeter lines and gates.
- Use Physical Barriers: If nuisance activities such as drug use occur on your site, install physical barriers to make these areas less attractive.
Disorganized Offenders
Disorganized offenders intend to commit a crime and are prepared to force entry. These offenders will break windows or use other means to access valuable items they can quickly sell or trade, such as tires, catalytic converters, and electronic equipment.
How to Combat Them:
- Hide Valuables: Secure high-value items out of view.
- Fortify Security Measures: Use the same security measures as for opportunistic offenders, including storing items in locked, less visible areas.
Organized Offenders
Organized offenders are less frequent but pose a significant threat due to their preparedness and efficiency. These criminals target specific high-value items like vehicles, large machinery, and other expensive inventory.
How to Combat Them:
- Inaccessibility: Keep high-value items, such as premium vehicles and essential fleet machinery, in areas that are not easily accessible.
- Extended Security Measures: Lock away valuable assets as mentioned above.
- Increase Risk and Deterrence: By making it harder for these offenders to access your property, you increase the time they need to spend on-site, thus raising their risk of detection and capture.
To further protect your dealership or fleet from all types of offenders, consider implementing advanced security technologies that work with police to help provide prompt police response to reduce the risk of theft. Additionally, seeking professional assistance for pursuing criminal charges and recovering stolen property can be invaluable.
By understanding the different types of offenders and implementing tailored security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of crime and protect your assets effectively.