Drivers need to fight crime
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by David Harris • You've got a vehicle worth £80,000 and the load's worth a lot more. So what do you with the ignition keys? Well, you wouldn't be alone if you left them on top of one of the wheels, according to Humberside police.
Humberside's Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) is on a special drive to help hauliers help themselves in the battle against truck crime.
Det Sgt Dave Rawding says the haulage habit of leaving keys out when the driver is not there plays into the hands of the thieves.
He adds: "It's unbelievable that people still do this. But it's commonplace. And it's obvious what happens. Anybody who steals trucks knows exactly where to look for the keys, which is why so many trucks are driven away so easily."
If this warning isn't enough to persuade you to take a little more care with your keys, then think about your insurance.
Insurers are increasingly refusing to pay out when keys have been left outside (CM 23 Feb-1 Mar). Norwich Union now puts a clause into all its motor policies making clear that it will not pay out if keys are left "in or on" the vehicle. Most of the other insurers demand that "reasonable care" is taken to stop thieves or they won't pay out. Take note.
Statistics from Humberside Police show that Ford Transits continue to be the thieves' favourite vehicle, with Mercedes, Bedford and Leyland following up. Least targeted are Renaults.