Our experts debunk 5 common fuel security myths

We’ve been in the business a long time here at TankSafe, and we’ve spent all those years helping businesses to secure their fuel against the risk of spills or theft – often helping them to save thousands every year. Throughout that time, of course, we’ve heard our fair share of myths and misunderstandings – so this week on the blog, we thought it worth quickly revisiting some of the most common ones. Here’s what you need to know!

All fuel security devices are equally secure

We should start by addressing one of the most prevalent ones we hear – there’s a common misconception that all fuel security devices offer the same level of protection. In fact though, fuel security devices vary significantly in terms of effectiveness and sophistication. Basic models may only offer minimal protection, and they can suffer from common flaws, such as weak bases, vulnerable builds, and poor fits. They’re all problems that our very own TankSafe Optimum has been specifically designed to avoid – helping to give you flawless peace of mind.

Using cheaper fuel is always a cost-saving measure

Another one of the most prevalent beliefs we hear is that choosing cheaper fuel will save money – which might sometimes be true in a general sense, but it’s not necessarily a hard and fast rule. Lower-cost fuel may be a more economical choice in some circumstances, but it can be easy to forget that it can sometimes lead to higher costs in the long run. That’s largely because cheaper fuel can occasionally be lower-quality (it’s often cheaper for a reason, after all), and that could potentially cause engine damage or reduce efficiency, ultimately leading to costly repairs and maintenance which can wipe out any of the initial savings that might have been made.

For that reason alone, it’s essential to ensure you’re using fuel that’s compatible and graded sufficiently highly for your vehicles, helping to maintain optimal performance.

Fuel theft is only a problem for large fleets

This is one that we hear slightly less frequently, but still often enough for it to be worth addressing – and that’s the idea that fuel theft is only a concern for larger fleets, which in turn implies that smaller operations don’t have much of a need for fuel protection systems. That is, to put it bluntly, incorrect. In reality, fuel theft can affect any size of operation, including smaller businesses. It is, after all, a valuable resource, and smaller operations are just as susceptible to theft as larger ones. Implementing advanced fuel management systems can help monitor usage, detect irregularities, and prevent theft, regardless of the size of your operation.

Fuel theft only happens at night

You don’t need a degree in criminal psychology to know that most people would prefer not to be caught stealing fuel, so it’s easy to see why so many people believe that fuel theft predominantly occurs during the night. However, fuel theft can happen at any time of the day, including in broad daylight, and even during business hours. That’s partially because actually the vast majority of fuel theft tends to be committed by company employees (but we’ll come to that in a moment).

Whoever the potential culprits are – whether they’re inside or outside the business – it’s always essential to have comprehensive security measures in place to cover all times of day. Daytime theft can be just as damaging as night-time incidents, and it’s crucial to remain vigilant throughout all hours to ensure that your fuel remains secure. (And of course, there are few security measures more effective than fuel security devices like the ones we supply here at TankSafe!)

Most fuel is stolen by gangs

It’s a common assumption that fuel theft typically involves large quantities being stolen at once by organised gangs, or else by intruders onto company property. And while it’s true that large-scale theft does happen (and can be understandably scary when it does), it’s also worth noting that the vast majority of fuel theft actually involves smaller quantities, typically taken by company employees or other authorised visitors.

This is called skimming, and it can be particularly damaging due to its subtlety and frequency. The fact that smaller amounts are taken little and often means that it can often be difficult to detect, but can have a significant cumulative impact on your resources. Addressing this risk requires strict internal controls and regular monitoring to effectively mitigate the risk of theft. Regular audits and surveillance can help detect any irregularities and prevent internal theft from becoming a larger issue.

And of course, one of the best ways to give yourself peace of mind is to make it much more difficult for anyone to take your fuel in the first place. That’s where our TankSafe Optimum comes in. It features a patented design that we’ve specifically developed in-house here at TankSafe, with a clever locking valve mechanism that prevents the tank being over-filled or “brimmed”. This isolates the fuel in the tank, therefore effectively preventing any skimming, siphoning or spillage.

You can read more about how TankSafe Optimum works, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any further questions about the best ways to protect your fuel in 2024. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!