Continuing uncertainty in the global economy and the rising costs of commodities has led to a dramatic increase in the value of precious metals – good news for commodities brokers; bad news if you’re running a fleet of vehicles with high ground clearance.
Cat theft in the UK is on the rise – official figures suggest the number of vehicles targeted has more than quadrupled in the last two years.
Just over 1,100 were taken across Britain, not including London, during the whole of 2009.
In the first five months of this year, more than 2,300 were stolen with the south and east of England among the worst affected areas.
It takes a trained mechanic up to three hours to remove a converter. Thieves have been seen taking them within seconds because they have no regard for the vehicle’s condition afterwards. And the cost to the owner? Depending on the vehicle, sometimes as much as £2,000.
So what can you do to protect your vehicles?
There are steps you can take; these include special alarms, guards, security stickers and metal marking fluids. Your Burnt Tree contact will be able to give you further information about the best options for your particular vehicle but it’s worth noting that none of these measures are guaranteed to be 100% effective, at best they are a deterrent.
As ever prevention is the best course of action.
Police are advising drivers to be extra vigilant and ensure that vehicles with high ground clearances are parked in secure areas overnight. If you don’t have a secure lot then parking in well lit streets or areas with CCTV coverage are the next best options.
