What are the most vulnerable places on your HGVs for fuel theft?
Fuel theft is a perennial concern for fleet operators – and nobody knows that better than our team at TankSafe. The fluctuating price of diesel in recent years has intensified the risk to HGVs and diesel; not just from professional criminals, but increasingly so from desperate drivers struggling to keep their cars fuelled.
The latter example is one of the main reasons why the biggest threat to company fuel across the country continues to be skimming – where small amounts of fuel are taken from company vehicles frequently in small amounts, often by employees who see it as a perk of the job. We’ve spoken before about what to do if you suspect an employee of fuel theft – but if you’re more concerned about the threat to your vehicles from external threats, it’s worth refreshing yourself on the most vulnerable places on your HGVs for fuel theft.
Securing fuel tanks and caps on HGVs
The fuel tank is an obvious target, especially since they’re often positioned on the underside of the HGV, where visibility is limited. That makes protecting them one of the biggest single priorities for any fleet manager. Most standard tanks are equipped with basic caps or seals that are relatively easy to breach, which can leave your HGVs exposed to siphoning or skimming attacks.
This is largely because many factory-fitted fuel caps lack the advanced security features necessary to prevent unauthorised access. What’s more, standard caps often don’t account for other risks, such as fuel spills or overfilling, which can lead to wasted resources and environmental damage.
Retrofitting tanks with secure anti-theft devices or barriers is a key step in protecting against unauthorised access. On that note, here at TankSafe we’ve designed a solution specifically to address this problem – TankSafe® Optimum. It’s installed directly at the neck of the fuel tank, and provides 3-in-1 protection by preventing siphoning, skimming, and overfilling. Its patented design ensures 100% security while helping to reduce fuel waste and costs, making it a practical choice for fleet operators.
Hose access and tampering risks
Fuel hoses are another weak spot that can be exploited by those looking to siphon fuel. Hoses are often targeted because they provide direct access to the fuel supply, particularly if the hoses lack protective casing, or they’re loosely secured.
Anti-tamper devices designed for hoses can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access. You can further reduce the risk by carrying out regular inspections of hoses for signs of damage or tampering. Spotting these issues early can prevent costly fuel losses and interruptions to your operations.
Storage compartments for spares
Many HGVs are equipped with storage compartments for spare parts, fuel cans, and other essentials. While these areas are not directly linked to the main fuel tank, they are often overlooked when considering security. If these compartments are poorly secured, they can be targeted for fuel supplies or siphoning equipment, which can leave you vulnerable to repeated attacks.
To reduce that risk, it’s worth ensuring that all storage areas are fitted with sturdy locks and inspected regularly. It also might be an idea to install tamper-proof seals or electronic monitoring systems on these compartments, as this can provide further peace of mind.
Fleet yards and HGV locations
Beyond the HGV itself, the environment in which your HGVs are parked plays a significant role in their vulnerability. Fleet yards without proper lighting, fencing, or surveillance systems can end up being prime targets. HGVs parked in isolated areas or overnight in unsecured locations are particularly at risk. (It’s a topic we’ve recently addressed in more detail on the blog.)
You may want to consider CCTV systems and motion-activated lighting for your site, as these can both serve as a strong deterrent – especially when deployed in tandem. Additionally, positioning HGVs in well-lit areas with clear visibility from security staff or nearby offices significantly reduces the chances of theft. Where possible, it’s a good idea to schedule fuelling during daytime hours to limit opportunities for unauthorised access.
Out of all the tips we’ve covered here, securing your fuel tank generally needs to be first on your list – and that’s exactly where we can help here at TankSafe. 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 2025. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!