Our top tips to keeping HGVs safe at night in service stations

Fuel security is always a major concern all year round, but it’s particularly pressing during the winter months – HGV security at night is often a key priority, especially in service stations as it can attract opportunistic thieves. It’s rare, but it does happen. With many lorries parked overnight and potentially high-value cargo on board – not least of which is the fuel – it’s always a good plan to take comprehensive steps to protect your assets. And with extensive experience ourselves in this area at TankSafe, we’ve got a couple of suggestions! Here are our detailed recommendations to help you stay one step ahead.

Choose secure parking locations wherever possible

The foundation of HGV security lies in selecting a safe place to park. Not all service stations provide the same level of safety, so it’s worth taking the time to plan your route carefully. It’s always best to choose well-lit areas equipped with high-definition CCTV cameras. Some service stations also offer gated access or designated zones monitored by on-site staff, which provide an additional layer of protection.

It’s also best to advise your drivers to park in a manner that makes their vehicle less accessible to the risk of theft. For example, if possible, they’ll want to park with the back doors against a wall or another HGV, limiting access to the cargo area. If they’re travelling a regular route, it’s worth building a list of service stations that you know to be safe and reliable, so you don’t have to rely on guesswork each time.

Use physical deterrents

Physical security measures are essential in making your HGV a less tempting target for thieves. Wheel clamps, steering locks, and fuel cap locks are all proven methods to deter unauthorised access, largely because each one forces potential thieves to spend more time and effort on a single vehicle. Most thieves are opportunists anyway, but even career criminals are constantly balancing the risk versus reward, so barriers like that can often cause them to move on.

For fuel security, we’d always recommend fitting our TankSafe Optimum to protect against siphoning or tampering. We’ve specifically designed it to secure fuel tanks, an area frequently targeted by thieves. In addition to protecting against theft, physical deterrents show potential criminals that an HGV is well-secured, which can discourage attempts altogether. Drivers are well-advised to double-check that your security devices are properly fitted and in good working order before they leave their loads unattended.

Consider installing vehicle monitoring systems

By the same token, modern technology can greatly enhance the safety of your HGV and cargo. Vehicle monitoring systems, such as GPS trackers and alarms, enable you to stay informed about your fleet’s status at all times. Advanced systems can alert you to suspicious movement or unauthorised access.

Some systems even allow remote immobilisation, adding an extra layer of control over the HGV’s security. In addition to providing peace of mind, monitoring systems can reduce recovery times significantly if a theft does occur. They’re known to be useful for fleet managers, as they provide valuable insights into routing and driver habits, helping to optimise operations while improving security.

Keep valuables out of sight

Keeping valuables hidden is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent theft. Tools, electronics, and personal belongings left in plain view are essentially an open invitation, so always ensure your drivers are storing these items in locked compartments or remove them from the HGV completely when leaving it unattended overnight.

For cargo, ensure that items are secured and not visible from outside the HGV. Tarpaulins or other covers can help conceal loads, reducing temptation for thieves. If you carry especially valuable items, consider using tamper-evident seals or high-strength locks on your cargo doors. The less visible your valuable possessions are, the less likely thieves are to take an interest in your HGV.

Create a layered security approach

A single security measure may help, but combining multiple strategies offers far better protection. This layered approach ensures that even if one defence is compromised, others remain in place to secure your HGV. Start with a secure parking location as the base of your plan, and then build on it with physical deterrents and monitoring systems. For added peace of mind, regularly review your security measures to ensure they’re up to date and functioning correctly. Layers also work to frustrate potential thieves, as they are faced with multiple obstacles that take time and skill to bypass. As we touched on above, this can increase the risk of being caught, prompting them to abandon the attempt altogether.

On that note, if you’re one of the many businesses currently building up your own security system, there’s one easy way to effectively secure your fuel – and that’s TankSafe Optimum. As we’ve touched on above, 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. It’s an excellent way to secure your fuel in the short term while you gradually build up additional security measures that can help catch perpetrators in the act.

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!