Why data monitoring is so important in combating fuel theft
Fuel theft is always an evergreen concern for fleet managers and business owners, especially if you’re running a particularly large fleet, or otherwise heavily rely on fuel like diesel for your operations. Now, while it’s true that some fuel can sometimes get stolen out on the road in incidents of organised crime, by far the more common culprit (and rather less dramatic) is skimming.
Skimming is the term for when small amounts of fuel are stolen over time, often by internal employees. While it’s a lot less dramatic and a lot less scary, it can be equally (arguably more) destructive because it can be incredibly difficult to detect. That’s exactly the kind of problem that we’ve designed our TankSafe Optimum to resolve – its innovative patented design has been specifically formulated to prevent skimming.
In addition to protecting your fuel tanks themselves though, preventative measures like TankSafe Optimum work best when they’re paired with a solid approach to data monitoring – which not only helps you identify theft, but also aids in understanding and mitigating risks associated with fuel management.
So, this week on the blog, let’s take a bit of a closer look at exactly how helpful data can be. First, let’s start with the essentials!
What is skimming?
Skimming involves the systematic, small-scale theft of fuel. Rather than stealing large quantities in one go, perpetrators tend to take small amounts regularly, which is the major aspect that makes the theft less noticeable and harder to detect. Internal employees in these cases often exploit their access to fuel supplies and potentially manipulate records to cover their tracks. The incremental nature of skimming means that even minor discrepancies can accumulate into substantial losses over time.
That means detecting these kind of thefts requires a keen understanding of normal fuel usage patterns, as well as the ability to spot deviations from these patterns. Without proper monitoring, theft may only be discovered after it has already caused considerable financial damage. So, how can you avoid that scenario? Well, that’s where data monitoring comes in.
How can data help you to track fuel theft?
Data plays a crucial (and varied) role in identifying and preventing fuel theft. As we’ve already mentioned, close monitoring of your fuel usage data allows you to detect unusual patterns and anomalies that may indicate theft. There are a couple of potential ways it can do this. Some of the biggest ones are:
Tracking fuel usage: Regular reviews of your fuel usage data can help identify discrepancies between recorded and actual fuel levels. A sudden drop in fuel levels or an unexplained variation in usage patterns can be a red flag. Advanced systems can also track the frequency and timing of fuel withdrawals, which can provide further insights into suspicious behaviour.
Analysing patterns: Historical data helps establish normal fuel consumption patterns for different times of the day or operational periods. Any deviations from these patterns may suggest potential theft. Comparing data across different periods can also reveal trends that might indicate theft or mismanagement.
Setting thresholds: Advanced data monitoring systems can be configured to alert you when fuel usage exceeds predefined thresholds. Real-time monitoring helps you catch theft as it occurs or even before it becomes a significant issue. Custom thresholds can be set based on historical usage and operational changes, making the system adaptable to various conditions.
For example, if data shows that a particular fuel tank is being depleted faster than usual, or if fuel usage spikes unexpectedly, these could both indicate signs of skimming. By the same token, data analysis also helps in pinpointing the timeframes and locations where theft is most likely to occur.
Implementing effective data monitoring systems
So, now that we’ve covered the benefits that good data monitoring can provide, let’s move on to some of the best ways that you can implement it. Obviously, every business is different, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. However, here are a couple of good places to start:
Real-time monitoring: Look for systems that offer real-time data tracking and alerts. This allows for immediate response to any suspicious activities. Real-time alerts can be configured to notify you and other key stakeholders, ensuring prompt action can be taken when necessary.
Data integration: It’s a good idea to ensure the monitoring system integrates with other security measures, such as access control and CCTV, to provide a comprehensive view of fuel usage and security. Integration allows for a more cohesive security strategy, where data from different sources can be correlated to provide a clearer picture of any potential theft.
Customisable reports: You may want to prioritise systems that offer customisable reporting features. This allows you to tailor reports to your specific needs and identify trends that may not be immediately obvious. Custom reports can highlight specific issues, such as unusual fuel usage patterns during certain shifts or by particular employees.
Like any good security measure, one of the most important key points to remember is that it’s most effective when it’s deployed as part of a cohesive security strategy, creating a multi-layered approach to prevent fuel theft. Another crucial benefit to this kind of combined approach is that it also effectively acts as a deterrent, reminding would-be fuel thieves that their targets are being closely monitored.
And of course, as part of that combined strategy, 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!