Vehicle security innovation specialist, On Board Defence, offers expert advice on keeping your van and livelihood safe.
Whilst it’s true that the latest generation of built-in security systems are effective deterrents, professional organised criminal gangs have been studying weaknesses in the technology.
A new wave of keyless crime has emerged and it’s getting worse. Latest Government statistics for the year to June 2015 showed a 3 per cent increase in police-recorded thefts of vehicles in England and Wales and this includes vans.
This form of theft is known as ‘electronic compromise’, whereby thieves don’t even need the keys. Generally, this is not opportunistic, but highly organised criminal activity, involving the targeting of specific vehicles.
The proliferation of cheap electronic ‘attack’ tools online has meant that criminals can acquire what they need quickly and quietly. Tracking devices have their limitations because electronic signal jammers, which prevent stolen vehicles being tracked, are also available online.
Plus there’s the hassle involved if you become a victim. Without a doubt, the best solution is to stop your van being pinched in the first place.
On Board Defence is at the forefront of staying ahead of the technological curve and its latest innovation, PORTECTOR, recently became the first product to achieve certification from Thatcham Research, in the fight against keyless theft.
This professionally fitted, discreetly hidden solution is proven to stop all known bypass methods and better still, it doesn’t require hard-wiring or cutting into the electrical system, so there’s no worry about it affecting your warranty. There’s just a one-off installation fee and no subscription.
This is what Thatcham Research had to say about PORTECTOR after it passed all the rigorous attack tests earlier this year:
“The methods may have grown more sophisticated but the fight against vehicle crime remains a top priority. On Board Defence should be congratulated for producing a robust aftermarket solution to electronic compromise.”
On Board Defence is also urging van users to review their security procedures in the run up to Christmas following a spike in the number of catalytic converter thefts.
Immobilised vehicles mean average repair bills of at least £2,000 each, sometimes costing as much as £10,000, plus further losses from hiring replacement vehicles, penalties from missed deliveries or losing business contracts altogether.
Historically, thieves targeted catalytic converters for metals such as Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium, which could be sold to scrap metal dealers for up to £400.
Following the Government’s introduction of The Scrap Metal Dealers Act three years ago, which banned cash payments, police forces have seen a decline in theft but CATLOC believes recent thefts are due to thieves stealing the parts for re-sale overseas as second hand units or for scrap value in countries where cash is still used.
Paul Chase, Managing Director of On Board Defence, which owns the CATLOC brand, said:
“Legislation has certainly helped to tackle the problem of precious metal theft but the police have now identified a growing problem of direct export, where thieves are stealing these parts for re-sale on the international black market.”
OBD’s market leading CATLOC anti-theft system protects around 40,000 vehicles per year for catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), approved by a number of vehicle manufacturers.
To book a fitting of PORTECTOR for your van, visit OBD PORTECTOR
For more information about catalytic converter protection, check out CATLOC