Author: Claire Taylor

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What are the benefits of vehicle trackers?

Following on from our in-depth guide to immobilisers in the last AJT Installs blog, we thought we would examine the benefits of vehicle trackers for fleet management in a bit more detail.

In this article, we will address what vehicle tracking is, the different kinds available and how the advantages of installing vehicle trackers in fleet vehicles are about much more than improvements for theft prevention and vehicle recovery after the event.

So, keep reading to discover more about how the benefits of vehicle trackers can help fleet managers with many aspects of their job from insurance and saving money to improvements in safety and customer service.

How does GPS vehicle tracking work?

GPS technology has been a game changer for professional fleet management.

The technology in tracker systems enables communication between each vehicle and the office, providing information such as:

  • Vehicle location
  • Direction of travel
  • Length of journey
  • Hold-ups/route obstruction
  • Live traffic information

There are two basic systems available.

Passive tracking collects and saves information and data that can be downloaded later, whereas active tracking sends information in real time.

Some systems offer both options.

More sophisticated functions available include:

  • Maintenance reminders
  • Historical journey information
  • Driver behaviour analysis
  • Fuel consumption
  • Electronic tachographs/timesheets
  • Theft prevention/immobiliser
  • Geofencing, so an alert is transmitted when a vehicle moves out of a designated area
  • Compliance
  • And in some cases, asset tracking

If you would like to talk to us about how the benefits of the Tracker 365 from AJT Installs – our own fleet management system – for your fleet, please contact us and one of our knowledgeable technicians will talk you through the features and benefits of having real-time data at your fingertips.

So, how does this technology help a fleet manager on a day-to-day basis?

The benefits of vehicle trackers

The advantage of instant access to information about where their vehicles are, how they are being driven, the mechanical health of vehicles, and where there may be possible delays to journeys bring many insights and benefits to fleet management.

Cut down on paperwork!

Paperwork is the bane of every fleet manager’s life!

But this is no longer the case.

Making everything digital saves time and reduces the possibility of inputting errors.

Time consuming reports are a thing of the past when the click of a button produces reports using up to the minute and accurate data.

Journey time, fuel calculations and customer expectations can be handled proactively.

The time previously used to input manually and generate reports can now be spent on proactive tasks.

Timesheets or driver hours are accurate as there is no chance of errors through manual completion and inputting/correction.

Data and information can also be more easily shared with other departments, and in a timely manner as and when necessary. 

Where fleet management systems really excel is in helping fleet managers with compliance, which you can read more about in an earlier blog.

Route efficiency

Productivity is increased while downtime is reduced when fleet managers can plot accurate and efficient journeys by taking any accident blackspots or hold-ups into consideration.

Monitoring vehicles in real time and noting where time is wasted can be used to cut the number of minutes the engine is idling.

Vehicle efficiency is optimised by avoiding known obstructions or selecting quieter routes, whilst some routes can be combined to maximise the number of drops/calls per journey.

This reduces vehicle wear and tear and fuel consumption while making more effective use of driver hours.

All these benefits result in better vehicle lifecycle management, a critical part of any fleet manager’s role.

For emergency vehicles responding to a collision, response times can be reduced through efficient route planning, and the time saved has the potential to save lives.

Vehicle Maintenance

Installing trackers in fleet vehicles will allows managers to set up reminders for routine maintenance that will take a vehicle off the road.

Having the ability to plan general maintenance and servicing minimises downtime and reduces unforeseen and costly repairs, while causing the minimum disruption to driver rotas and customer service levels.

Driver behaviour

This was a somewhat contentious issue at first, but fleet tracking software has been recognised as critical to improve safety of both drivers and the general public, as well as contributing to the reduction of vehicle wear and tear and fuel consumption.

On-board data reveals bad driving habits such as over revving, harsh braking, speeding, or swerving.

It is useful information to have from a corporate perspective to demonstrate that drivers are following the correct procedures and not breaking the law, and that they are careful and considerate road users, something that can enhance a business’s reputation.

Although some drivers may not like the idea, if they are shown how vehicle trackers work and the benefits they bring to the job of driving, rather than the negative connotation of ‘big brother is watching what you do’, it will be easier for fleet managers to win them over:

  • Working hours can be tracked more easily
  • In the case of an emergency, help can reach them quicker
  • If they are falsely accused of wrongdoing while behind the wheel, they can be exonerated
  • Routes can be optimised, removing the anxiety and frustration of traffic jams
  • Improvements in driver training

Downloaded information for each journey/driver can be used proactively for driver education and incentivisation, rather than accusation.

When a tracking system such as Tracker 365 is combined with dashcams, it can provide powerful evidence in the case of a collision or accusation of bad driving, which can save time and money on insurance claims or police/court proceedings.

The information can also be used to

  • Improve written safety policies
  • Develop better driver training programmes
  • Generate accurate driver risk profiles
  • Demonstrate a good safety record
  • Reduce insurance premiums

Theft prevention and vehicle recovery

Real-time vehicle and plant tracking means they can be retrieved easily when lost or stolen.

Again, this brings risk down for insurers and can lead to a reduction in insurance premiums.

Immobilisers can be activated remotely to prevent a vehicle being driven away by thieves and then reactivated when the recovery vehicle arrives to collect it.

Reduced costs and better service levels

All of the above when taken together helps fleet managers to optimised drivers and vehicles, reducing costs for:

  • Fuel
  • Maintenance
  • Wear and tear
  • Time idling
  • Route inefficiencies
  • Insurance
  • Unplanned maintenance resulting from bad driving/collisions

Moreover, increased productivity and the streamlining of journeys result in a better customer experience through improved service levels and an increase in profits.

AJT Installs’ skilled technicians have completed Tracker 365 installations across a number of different transport sectors.

We have demonstrated the benefits of vehicle trackers to many fleet managers looking for ways to optimise vehicle and route efficiency while reducing costs and paperwork.

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A guide to immobilisers

A guide to immobilisers

Here at AJT Installs, we realise that not everyone understands what immobilisers are and how they work. So, we thought we would put together a guide to immobilisers, to explain a bit more about them, how they work, how they can affect car insurance premiums, and how to make sure your car has that extra level of security they provide.

For even more expert advice on keeping your vehicle safe, as well as checking whether your car is one of the most stolen in the UK, you can download our FREE guide from the AJT Installs homepage.

What are immobilisers?

In a nutshell, they protect your car from being hot-wired or driven away without the proper key and are activated as soon as the ignition is turned off.

In the UK, it has been mandatory to install a factory-fitted immobiliser in every car manufactured since 1998.

So, what is it?

An immobiliser is a two-part electronic device.

The first part is a transponder located inside the ignition key fob, while the second part is a receiver in the Engine Control Unit (ECU), of your car.

If someone tries to start your car, a signal is transmitted to the key, and the engine will only start if the key returns the correct encrypted code to the ECU.

However, if the code is not the right one, the immobiliser will not send the engine the signal to start.

Therefore, if thieves try to steal your car without using the correct key, the immobiliser will prevent them from stealing it, unless they winch it on to a transporter.

Early immobilisers sometimes used a second fob rather than the ignition key, a button inside the car, or even a keypad with a four-digit code.

Today, most cars use keyless technology to open the doors (and start the engine in some cases), but the immobiliser still requires the key to be close.

However, in some cases, a smartphone is preferred to transmit the signal to the ECU instead of a key.

Another major change with modern day technology is that immobilisers use different codes each time, compared to twenty years ago when they used just one code for the whole life of the vehicle.

How do immobilisers work?

The device controls three things in the engine of your car through the ECU:

  • The starter motor
  • The fuel system
  • The ignition system

The correct code is required before all three of these engines systems can be engaged.

If the immobiliser does not receive the correct signal from the key, or one of these three systems is bypassed in some way (like the ignition system in a case of hot-wiring), the car will not receive the signal to start from the ECU.

A guide to immobilisers: Does my car have an immobiliser?

You can find out whether your car has a factory-fitted immobiliser by checking the vehicle handbook.

However, if you bought a second-hand car, the immobiliser could be out of action for several reasons:

  • The car could have been repaired or had replacement parts fitted that affect the starter motor, fuel system or ignition system. These replacements may have different data or affect the coding sequence.
  • Key information has been lost through a battery replacement in the fob.
  • The key has been incorrectly programmed – this can happen with replacement keys.
  • An electrical fault has caused a malfunction or blow-out inside the ECU.
  • Faulty coding in either the key or the device.

Even in cases where there isn’t a factory-fitted immobiliser, previous owners could still have fitted a replacement.

If you did not receive any information about the immobiliser from the previous owner, it is worth getting a qualified mechanic to check your car to make sure it has a working device fitted.

Can immobilisers malfunction?

Well, yes, of course they can.

Although it is a rare occurrence, you have to remember that it is an electrical device, so on occasion, it may fail.

The first tell-tale sign is that you experience problems locking and unlocking your car.

Secondly, the alarm may go off repeatedly and for no reason.

And the final clue is that your car just won’t start!

The most probable cause of a malfunction is a dead battery in the key fob, which is very easily fixed.

In the more unusual case of an electrical fault, you will need to get your vehicle checked over by a qualified mechanic, or the dealership where you bought your car.

Types of immobiliser

As we have already mentioned earlier in this guide, a factory-fitted immobiliser has been installed in new cars during manufacture since 1998, which has enabled the device to be incorporated into every vehicle’s electrical system.

If your car:

  • Does not have a factory-fitted immobiliser
  • You are worried that the immobiliser in your car has old technology and may easily be hacked
  • You want to upgrade your car security system because of new threats…

talk to the experts at AJT Installs to discuss the options for after-market immobilisers or visit our website.

Today’s technology means immobilisers can use blue-tooth connectivity, and the latest Ghost CAN bus immobiliser protects your vehicle via a PIN code.

This means that even if thieves clone the key to your car, they will be unable to drive it away.

A word about Thatcham Research

Founded in 1969, Thatcham Research provides an assessment and certification of car security systems, both factory-fitted and after-market.

It does this through research, tests, and the evaluation of the safety and security of new vehicles.

Because it is so widely trusted by both manufacturers and insurers, its certification for vehicle security systems have become a benchmark in the motor industry.

This is why you will see ‘Thatcham approved’ on many vehicle security devices.

It gives you, the consumer, that extra peace of mind when buying a car security system, that it has been thoroughly tested and rated by Thatcham Research.

There are seven different categories covering:

  • Alarms with immobilisers
  • Immobilisers
  • Upgrades or after-market alarms
  • Mechanical deterrents and devices such as steering wheel locks and gear clamps
  • Wheel locks
  • Tracking devices
  • Location devices

You can read more about Thatcham Research and their security assessments on their website.

Insurance premiums

Immobilisers make cars more secure and harder for thieves to steal, resulting in a reduced risk to insurance companies.

In fact, factory-fitted immobilisers are often listed as options when taking out a policy, but you should always bear in mind that different insurers may evaluate risk differently.

If you have installed an after-market security system in your car, or you use other mechanical deterrents like a steering lock, it is always worth having a conversation with your insurer to see whether you can bring the premium down further.

An immobiliser can be an effective device against theft, but even more so when combined with other precautions:

  • Electronic security devices such as car alarms, tracking devices and dashcams
  • Parking your car in a garage or safe driveway with parking posts, locked gates, and CCTV
  • Using physical deterrents such as wheel locks, steering locks and gear clamps – you can read more in our blog about steering wheel locks
  • Don’t leave valuables or your vehicle documents in your car

We hope that you have found our guide to immobilisers interesting and informative. However, if you are worried about vehicle security, talk to the AJT Installs team of fully qualified and insured vehicle installation specialists about our range of Thatcham approved alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems, along with dashcams and parking posts.  We pride ourselves on providing a professional installation with a friendly touch, to make sure your car has the best level of protection and security for your needs. Alternatively, you can find out more about our range of after-market immobilisers on our website.

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Are dash cams game changers for road safety?

are dash cams game changers for road safety

In this article, we are going to examine some of the answers to the question are dash cams game changers for road safety?

More and more people are opting to fit dash cams to their vehicles for recording journeys on four wheels. 

Mounted on the dashboard, windscreen and/or rear window of your car, dash cams record your entire journey, providing a date-stamped record.

In addition, some cameras even offer impact detection, starting to record whether the car is being driven or not, for example when parked.

The footage from dash cams provides both emergency services and insurance companies with tamper-proof evidence in the case of theft or collision.

1 Who is to blame?

One of the most compelling reasons motorists buy dash cameras is for self-protection.

If the worst should happen and you have an accident while driving, the footage will show proof of who was to blame, removing all doubt for both police proceedings and insurance claims.

As an on-board camera start to record as soon as the engine is started, the evidence it provides is recorded in real-time and can be used as irrefutable proof in the event of a collision.

Fitting cameras to your vehicle will enable you to defend yourself should you have an accident that isn’t your fault, saving a lot of time, trouble and money for:

  • Insurance claims
  • Prosecution/court proceedings
  • Car repairs
  • Future insurance penalties

2 Preventing fraudulent insurance claims

Everyone moans about their car insurance premiums going up, and part of the reason for that is the submission of fraudulent claims.

It has been well-documented through high profile court cases and TV programmes, that some drivers have purposely caused an accident in order to blame someone else and obtain money from their victim’s insurance policy.

They may even claim to be injured as a result of the fake accident to solicit sympathy and add evidence to their claim that the accident was not their fault.

Innocent drivers who fell victim to this kind of scam used to have no way of proving their innocence, but now dash cam footage can show the truth of what happened, preventing the fraud from going any further and hopefully resulting in a prosecution of the scammers.

3 Encouraging safer driving habits

It is a well-known fact that if you think someone is watching, you pay more attention to what you are doing, no matter what it is!

This is especially true for driving. For example, children borrowing their parents car are less likely to be irresponsible if they know their parents can watch what they are doing from an app on their phones or download the footage of every journey to see how their children behave behind the wheel of a car.

We have already mentioned in previous blog posts that dash cam footage can be used to influence fleet driver training by highlighting bad driving habits and encouraging good ones.

 Linking cameras to on-board telematics has been shown to improve driver behaviour as camera footage is linked to other statistics such as braking, speed, fuel usage etc.

Insurance companies can offer a reduction on premiums for drivers willing to have black boxes installed in their vehicles.

4 Reporting irresponsible drivers

Most law-abiding, experienced drivers who drive responsibly and are respectful to other road users, will come across someone who could be endangering life by thinking that the rules do not apply to them.

We have all had those chats at work about road-hogs, near misses, speeding drivers, drivers failing to indicate etc.

As well as being irresponsible, these drivers could put lives at risk through their bad driving behaviour.

Before camera footage became available, it was a case of your word against theirs, but now there can be invaluable evidence to support claims of irresponsible driver behaviour.

The dash cam footage can be used as evidence of speeding and dangerous, drunk or reckless driving, as well as not paying due care and attention, for example:

  • Texting while driving
  • Driving through red lights
  • Failure to indicate when turning, especially into oncoming traffic
  • Road rage incidents
  • Failure to notice other road users, e.g. cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders etc.

In fact, a large number of police forces in the UK now welcome dash cam footage from drivers as evidence for driving offences and have portals where recordings can be uploaded.

In addition, there is a national dash cam safety portal provided by Nextbase in partnership with more than 35 police forces.

For most driving offences, the police force where the offence was committed have only 14 days to inform the registered keeper of the vehicle that an offence has been committed, so it is a good idea to upload any camera footage as soon as possible after the incident was recorded.

5 Preventing accidents while stationary

How many times has your car been scratched while parked in a supermarket car park?

It is yet another well-known phenomenon that bad drivers fail to take responsibility for causing.

Dash cams can also be programmed to operate when you are not actually driving, so can record the inexperienced driver who hits your car when trying to park, or visitors to the area who catch your wing mirror when driving past.

It is also a useful tool for recording wanton acts of vandalism in the area.

This means that you can report the culprits responsible for the damage, whilst also proving to your insurance company that the damage to your car was not caused by you.

The advantage of installing dash cams is that they can be operated from your home via an app, you don’t have to be driving or sitting in your car for them to work.

In-vehicle cameras can give you the peace of mind that your car is safe, no matter where you leave it!

So, when asking the question, ‘are dash cams game changers for road safety?’, we hope we have provided some of the answers, or at least given you food for thought. At AJT Installs, our expert technicians know all there is to know about fitting dash cams, and the advantages of installing them. If you care about road and vehicle safety, why not contact our specialist installers today to find out

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How fleet management software helps with compliance

How fleet management software helps with fleet driver behaviour

In this article, we are going to take a closer look at how fleet management software helps with compliance.

At AJT Installs, we know that one of the biggest headaches for a fleet manager is managing compliance.

The penalties for non-compliance can be very serious and could have a major impact on a company’s ability to continue trading as normal.

The amount of paperwork involved plus staying on top of amendments or changes in legislation can be daunting, especially for a large fleet.

When you add into the mix the need to ensure that legal changes are communicated throughout the business, it is clear that data needs to be managed efficiently.

Fleet management software like Tracker 365 from AJT Installs, provides fleet managers with instant access to vehicle and driver information so they can better manage the process of complying with industry regulations and legislation.

Talk to our expert team to arrange a demo, so you can see the benefits of Tracker 365 for yourself and how its reporting capabilities can help with fleet compliance.

What is fleet compliance?

Although the rules may differ according to vehicle class, the main aim of fleet compliance is to make sure that vehicles, drivers, and the general public are safe.

In order to do this and to maintain the operator’s licence, fleet managers need to manage the following areas to demonstrate compliance with safety standards:

Management systems should be established for safety and risk, operations/journeys, driver behaviour and vehicle maintenance.

Fleet vehicles have to be maintained, undergo regular inspections, including one by the driver before every shift. They must also be properly equipped.

Drivers have to be medically fit to drive, possess a current licence and have the required certification and relevant driver training for the vehicle. They must comply with the regulations governing driving hours.

How fleet management software helps with compliance

Fleet management software provides a system to electronically record data while vehicles are out on the road, providing a number of benefits:

  • Facilitates vehicle inspection/maintenance schedules
  • Monitors and analyses driver behaviour
  • Cuts down on the paperwork and time required to maintain compliance
  • Ensures data is accurate, avoiding human errors

Having the relevant data at their fingertips means fleet managers have all the information they need to maintain compliance.

Management systems

Fleet management software monitors and stores data about vehicles, journeys, loads, drivers, maintenance, insurance, in fact all the information required to produce accurate reports to support, maintain and amend company policies and procedures.

  • Information can be used to produce risk management policies and ensure compliance with current health and safety regulations.
  • The data downloaded from fleet management software for accidents and incidents can be analysed to compile driver risk profiles and to demonstrate the company’s track record of accidents, how they were handled, insurance claims etc.
  • Reports can be properly documented for both compliance and insurance.
  • The data can be used to review, revise and improve safety procedures and policies and risk management can be reassessed according to new data.

Vehicles

Fleet management software provides comprehensive data for every vehicle at the push of a button, enabling:

  • Effective maintenance scheduling, reducing downtime.
  • Preventative maintenance.
  • Inspection data can be used to highlight mechanical problems earlier, preventing costly repairs and unscheduled time off the road.
  • The production of a report history of faults and how they were resolved for each vehicle.
  • More accurate and timely safety inspections from the data recorded during daily driver inspections, reducing paperwork.
  • Mechanical problems to be identified before they become major issues, which allows operators to demonstrate how they have reduced risk to their own drivers and the general public.
  • Accurate mileage tracking across the whole fleet to ensure even vehicle usage and accurate vehicle replacement forecasting.
  • Route planning to avoid congestion, green charges, accident blackspots etc.

Drivers

Fleet telematics and software monitor and analyse driver behaviour, and the data gathered can be used to:

  • Develop driver training programmes.
  • Demonstrate their fitness to drive.
  • Analyse driving ability in varying road and weather conditions.
  • Produce risk profiles for each driver.
  • Eradicate bad and aggressive driving habits.
  • Reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Accurately record driving hours.
  • Improve accident investigation.
  • Improve safety for drivers and the general public.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

We thought it may be useful to talk a little about DVSA fleet compliance and the recognition scheme.

Compliance covers the areas we have explained above, with particular emphasis on:

  • Accident risk/safety management
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • Driver behaviour/training

In April 2018, the DVSA launched an ‘earned recognition’ scheme for operators of:

  • Heavy goods vehicles
  • Public service vehicles

The idea of the scheme is to help fleet operators in these sectors to show that they meet the safety standards required for drivers and vehicles.

Every four weeks, companies upload detailed reports of drivers’ working hours and vehicle maintenance data to a DVSA system.

The data is then monitored against a set of key performance indicators (KPIs.)

What happens if a KPI is missed for any reason?

The company will be contacted by the DVSA with a plan for how the issue can be resolved.

There are several benefits for fleet operators joining the scheme including:

  • Displaying the logo to show earned recognition scheme accreditation
  • To be included on the gov.uk website as having recognition status
  • To prove legal compliance to new and existing clients and demonstrate that the company maintains high standards of safety
  • Reduce the chance of a DVSA visit
  • Reduce the chance of having a vehicle stopped in transit

The DVSA has published a guide to maintaining roadworthiness for commercial good and public service vehicles, which is packed full of useful information, procedures, inspections, record storage systems, regulations, best practices etc.

You can discover more about the DVSA earned recognition scheme on the gov.uk website.

If you would like to find out how the automated process and data recording abilities of Tracker 365  from AJT Installs works and how fleet management software helps with compliance, call us now to book a demonstration so you can see for yourself.

Not only will you benefit from streamlined processes and paperwork, you will also gain peace of mind from our three year warranty on any product bought from us and installed by AJT Installs expert technicians.

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Asset trackers for plant  

tractor - asset trackers for plant

Security has become a major headache for agricultural machinery and heavy plant, especially on construction sites, where protecting the whole perimeter 24/7 may not be possible.

Large assets like earth movers and trailers are expensive investments and as some reports state that as little as 10% of stolen assets like these are ever found, more companies are looking for a better solution to protect their investment.

Asset trackers for plant provide site managers with the means to monitor and track the movement of plant equipment.

Asset tracking equipment pinpoints the location of heavy plant machinery via GPS tracking, providing an invaluable tool for the successful recovery of stolen plant via software on a computer or mobile device.

It can be an essential tool for the management of machinery on a busy construction site, as well as offering peace of mind from a security standpoint.

Plant theft – facts and figures

Police have long recognised the role of plant theft in organised crime, setting up the Plant and Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU) in 2008.

PANIU recovered 824 machines worth more than £17 million during its ten years of operation, and during its final year, 2018, reported the 650 mini excavators and 463 site dumpers were stolen that year.

When it folded in 2019 because of funding problems in the Metropolitan Police, there was uncertainty about what would replace it.

However, a unit called ‘Agriculture and Construction Equipment’ (ACE), has been set up by the Opal national intelligence unit, funded by donations from a group of insurance companies, the Construction Equipment Association, and the Agricultural Engineers Association.

According to a report by Allianz Cornhill, theft of construction plant in the UK currently totals more than £70 million per annum.

The knock-on costs are estimated to be nearer £800 million, but this kind of theft doesn’t just have an impact on the bottom line. It can prevent companies from fulfilling contracts on time, costing penalties and causing damage to its reputation, which in turn can lead to job losses and a sharp decline in profit.

Site managers have to protect construction machinery and tools not just from the opportunistic thief who spots his moment when a vehicle is left unattended, but from organised criminals who make a living from stealing plant equipment and machinery and selling it on.

They see a construction site as a low-risk opportunity providing high payoff because of the constant demand for heavy plant.

To make things worse, thieves are becoming ever more sophisticated because of the high financial rewards for stealing plant equipment.

Some even go as far as posing as plant mechanics, turning up with fake paperwork and liveried low loaders so they can brazenly drive the plant away right from under the noses of bona fide construction workers.

At AJT Installs, we are passionate about all vehicle security, whether private cars, fleets (buses, emergency vehicle, HGVs), or plant machinery like dumpers, diggers and earth movers.

Whatever the type of vehicle, our fleet management software offers protection 24/7.

One of the benefits of Tracker 365 for plant is that trackers are included.

So, if you are a construction site manager worried about the security of plant assets, get in touch with us today so we can talk to you about your options.

 

Security on construction sites

What makes construction sites prime targets for thieves?

There are a number of factors that when combined, can make them attractive to criminals:

Low risk: Some sites are remote, so the prospect of being caught quickly is slim, offering thieves a better than even chance of getting away clean.

Machinery is often left on-site overnight because removing it every day to a secure location is problematical and expensive. Providing a high level of security around the entire perimeter can be difficult and again, expensive.

High returns: Smaller machinery like mini excavators/diggers and dumpers (the most stolen items from sites), provide tempting targets owing to a lucrative second-hand market throughout Europe.

Opportunity: Keys left on or near vehicles, to make it easy for different operators to use the same vehicle, make easy pickings for those willing to observe and make note of hiding places.

Smaller equipment: Is often not secured and trailers can also be stolen by thieves to transport their main target of mini plant equipment. A kind of ‘two for one’ deal for thieves!

How does asset tracking help?

As the statistics for recovery of stolen plant equipment are only around 10%, vehicle trackers can provide that extra level of protection for high value equipment.

Using GPS technology to provide location details, the trackers give owners a better chance of recovering high value assets if they are stolen.

Provided as part of our fleet management software system, plant trackers have a battery, SIM card, radio frequency and GPS technology and do not require hardwiring to the plant battery, which means they operate independently.

Because they are small, they are easy to place somewhere where thieves will find them difficult to spot.

We also put a secondary tracker on every item of plant, just in case the first one is found and removed!

Construction site managers can see the precise location of the asset using the accompanying software, so any theft can be acted upon quickly and reported to the police with accurate time and location details.

The benefits of asset tracking devices

The benefits to fleet managers of using fleet management software have become apparent over the last ten years or so, but many construction companies are now realising that installing it into high value plant equipment and machinery has many advantages:

  • If you hire plant to other construction companies, you are not in control of its security, so a plant tracker can give you peace of mind that the equipment is where it should be
  • If you have a number of sites with equipment frequently moving between them, you can easily find specific equipment when needed
  • If stolen, the chances of recovering the equipment are greatly enhanced through tracking and being able to notify law enforcement earlier
  • If you successfully recover stolen equipment, insurance premiums will not increase when it is time to renew, and some insurers may offer lower premiums because the chances of recovery are greater
  • Limiting damage to company/brand reputation in the industry
  • Ensuring plant is where you need it, when you need it, every time
  • Peace of mind that you have the ability to track expensive equipment and machinery, 24/7
  • Save money! The cost of installing fleet management software with trackers is low when compared to the cost of losing heavy plant machinery

Plant equipment represents a large capital investment, so keeping it safe is essential.

There are a number of options available with Tracker 365 for plant, such as an immobiliser and geofencing (to prevent the plant from being taken outside the site perimeter fence.)

Talk to our expert technicians at AJT Installs about the advantages of installing our vehicle software management system and the benefits of asset trackers for plant machinery and equipment.

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Microwave sensors on vans – High tech alarms!

microwave sensors on vans

If you are a tradesperson, your van and its contents are how you make your living. But there are constantly worrying reports about the increase of tool theft from vans.  So, what steps can you take to prevent this happening to you? In this blog, we will take a closer look at the statistics and give you some tips on how to protect tools in your van, from applying low-tech common sense measures to more high-tech solutions like fitting alarms with microwave sensors on vans.

At AJT Installs, we specialise in all aspects of vehicle security, including keeping your van and its contents safe from thieves. For your peace of mind, any product bought and installed by our technicians is backed by a minimum three year warranty (five years in some cases.)

If you are concerned about tool theft from vans and van security, call us today on 08000541146 to talk about the benefits of installing a Cobra A4615 ADR alarm with Vodafone microwave sensors on vans.

Tool theft from vans – the facts

In a Direct Line analysis compiled from police data from forces in England and Wales* (published in early November 2021), tools totalling more than £46 million were reported stolen from vehicles since the easing of lockdown six months previously (April 2021.)

38% of these thefts were from tradespeople, who had to deal with the impact on their livelihood:

  • Time taken to call insurance company and deal with paperwork relating to the theft
  • Time and cost of sourcing new tools – according to the Professional Electrician and Installer, the average value of a sinlge stolen tool is £385.00
  • Time and cost of cancelling and rescheduling planned work
  • Damage to a reliable reputation

In fact, it has been estimated that it takes a full working week to deal with the aftermath of tool theft from vans and replace what has been lost.

London was the location for the majority of these crimes, with a staggering 12,769 cases of thefts from a vehicle reported to police. West Yorkshire reported the next highest number of incidents, with 400.

Read the Direct Line report.

There are many reasons to presume that this figure will rise even further during 2022:

  • Tradespeople trying to rebuild their businesses post-pandemic
  • People choosing to become self-employed following the impact of Covid-19 on many companies and professions
  • As life returns to normality, more tradespeople will be out on the road
  • The sudden and dramatic rise in the cost of living pushes more people into a life of crime to make ends meet

Protecting your tools – low-tech

Of course, as with all things, prevention is better than cure, so what can you do to ensure you don’t fall victim to the theft of tools from vans? Here are a few simple precautions you can take to keep the tools of your trade safe:

Make sure your van is locked and the windows are closed when you leave it, even when on-site or outside the premises where you are working. Most thieves are opportunists, so NEVER leave your van unlocked, even for a few minutes!

Install window grills to reduce the risk of thieves getting into your van through a window.

When parking at night, park in a well-lit area or install lights with motion sensors if your van is parked on your driveway.

Ensure your van is covered by CCTV, whether parked on the road or in your driveway.

Park in a confined space – if the passenger side and rear doors are against a wall, it will be very difficult for thieves to break into your van by ‘door-bending’, because there won’t be any room to do manoeuvre!

UV pen-marking – mark all your tools with a UV marker that is only detectable under UV light, so if your tools are stolen they can be identified as belonging to you. You can take this a step further by engraving personal information directly on to your tools. This cannot be rubbed off, making them more difficult to sell.

Inventory your tools – keep receipts in a safe place along with a full inventory and pictures of your power tools. This will make things much easier if you do have to claim on your insurance, saving you time and ensuring your claim is processed as quickly as possible.

Invest in lockable power tools – many makes, for example DeWalt, offer apps that can be used to disable their tools.

Remove tools overnight! We know that this takes time and can be a bit annoying at the end of a busy day, but if you have somewhere safe you can keep your tools overnight, store them there instead of in your van! If this is impossible, remove batteries and chargers, making them more difficult to sell.

Most of the above cost nothing or next to nothing, just a change of mindset and a little time, but there are some low-tech options that involve more outlay:

Insurance – check your policy to make sure you have the right cover for your individual circumstances. Many policies only cover for theft from vans in specific circumstances, so be clear about what these are and adhere to them or search for better cover.

Locks/plates/safes – there are a number of different security options available including slam locks, deadlocks, door protection plates and van boxes/safes costing anything from £20-£450 each. Most of these fit any make and type of van, but door protection plates are usually make/model specific.

Protecting your tools – high-tech - Microwave sensors on vans

It is arguable that a van with no audible deterrent may present an easier target for thieves, as nobody will be alerted that someone is trying to break into the vehicle.

Installing high-tech devices like alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems doesn’t cost as much as you think, and some of the low-tech solutions we highlighted above can cost as much. Why not call the experts at AJT Installs to discuss microwave sensors on vans, alarm systems, immobilisers and the AJT Locate Tracker? We take your vehicle security seriously and can discuss the types of electronic devices available and advise which would work the best for your particular circumstances.

For example, the Cobra A4615 ADR alarm offers great all round protection against theft for your van and its contents. It has a Vodafone microwave sensor, which creates a ‘bubble’ inside the load compartment. If the sensor detects an object entering this ‘bubble’, it triggers the alarm, catching thieves in the act! Here are just a few of the benefits of this system:

  • Thatcham 2-1 accreditation, which can help to reduce insurance premiums
  • Built-in immobiliser
  • Powerful siren which will continue to sound even when removed from its harness
  • Full vehicle perimeter protection
  • Prevents against key cloning (read our blog about key cloning)

Read the full description and all the benefits of the Cobra A4615 ADR alarm.

We hope that you have found this blog and our advice useful, but if you are worried about van security and tool theft from it affecting your livelihood, talk to us on 08000541146 about the benefits of installing an alarm system with microwave sensors on vans. As we have said previously, prevention is better than cure, and investing in a good vehicle alarm system now will save you a lot of time, money and headaches later caused by the theft of tools from vans.

* Direct Line submitted a freedom of information request to all 43 police forces in England and Wales – 27 of which provided relevant data

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After-market Parking Sensors

Parking sensors

Parking sensors and reversing cameras are designed to make parking easier for you as well as the safety benefits that come with having what effectively is an extra pair of eyes at the front and/or back of your vehicle.

At AJT Installs, we are not only specialists in vehicle security, we are also concerned for your safety and the safety of your passengers whilst you are driving. We can, therefore, fit a number of models of Steelmate parking sensors along with reversing cameras to create a safer driving environment for you by improving your line of sight. Why not call us today to discuss the benefits of parking assistance?

What are the advantages of parking sensors?

When you are driving, your vision around the entirety of the car is limited, even when using the rear and wing mirrors. Many cars have blind spots and reversing where there are low walls or obstructions behind you particularly causes problems!

How many cars do you see on the road with a dent or damage low down on the back bumper or body? And what do you think when you see that damage?

Parking sensors and reversing cameras can make parking easier and safer in these instances, where parking areas may be congested, and in dimly lit or dark areas. They give you an extra set of eyes in an area you cannot normally see from your regular driving position.

Another advantage is that they take the stress out of parking. Some people find parking relatively easy, but others may find it more difficult for a number of reasons, for example through poor coordination, back or neck problems, or even having passengers on the back seat who partially block the view.

Parking sensors and reversing cameras are often a huge help to newly qualified drivers who may have purchased a slightly older car which doesn’t have them built in.

The advantages of parking sensors can be summed up as follows:

  • Increase visibility, especially in tight spaces or dimly lit areas
  • Make parking easier
  • Reduce blind spots
  • Reduce the chance of damaging your car, saving costly repairs!
  • Reduce the chance of damaging any object behind you, which may not belong to you
  • Help you become aware of potential hazards you wouldn’t normally be able to see
  • Increase your confidence when parking or reversing as you become more attuned to the size of your car and safe distances around it

Parking sensors can also detect objects you may not be able to see in your wing mirrors or because of blind spots while you are driving, improving safety on your journey. It is worth noting however that parking sensors are an additional aid to your driving – they are not a replacement for your driving judgement and experience.

As with all modifications to your car, you should contact your insurer and let them know that you are thinking about having parking sensors and/or a reversing camera fitted to your vehicle. You may be surprised to find that your insurance payments could be reduced. According to this news article on Jardine Motors Group website, a survey by MoneySupermarket found that installing parking sensors could reduce insurance premiums by 13%.

Types of parking sensors

There are two main types of parking sensor – electromagnetic and ultrasonic. Although both versions do the same thing, they operate in different ways.

Ultrasonic parking sensors

These work by producing sound waves, which pulsate at a high frequency and by bouncing off other objects, can detect hazards around the car.

A receiver in the system catches these reflected sound waves and can work out the distance to that particular object or hazard.

Ultrasonic parking sensors employ a beeping signal which increases in speed as your vehicle gets closer to the object or hazard.

The main advantage over electromagnetic parking sensors is that they work both while the vehicle is stationary and while it is moving.

However, there are disadvantages to this type of parking sensor too because they may not detect hazards that are too thin or low to reflect the sound waves, such as the curb.

They also only detect objects that are directly in front of them, not off to the side.  Interference can also affect how the sound waves builds a picture of the object, so anything mounted on the back of your vehicle, for example a trailer or a bike rack, may affect the sensors’ ability to build an accurate picture of an obstruction.

Electromagnetic parking sensors

These create an electromagnetic field around your vehicle, not solely behind you, so they can detect any number of objects within this field. They normally have a wider field of ‘vision’ than ultrasonic systems, but the major drawback with this type of sensor is that they don’t work unless your vehicle is moving.

This is unfortunate, because generally when you park your car, you tend to stop and go, so when you are stationary, they will not detect the hazard unless it is moving, i.e. a person, an animal, another vehicle. A second drawback is that this type of sensor is generally more expensive than an ultrasonic version.

Reversing cameras

At AJT Installs, we can fit reversing cameras as well as parking sensors.

Reversing cameras can make a huge difference to your driving, especially if driving is part of your job.

They provide a clear view of the area behind your vehicle, covering blind spots and allowing you to manoeuvre your vehicle perfectly, with minimum effort.

They feed into the infotainment display on your vehicle’s dashboard, showing a clear picture of any obstructions behind you, so you can clearly see hazards without relying on warning beeps.

Although it may be considered a drawback that some reversing cameras do not warn you when you are getting too close to an object or obstruction, you will be able to see a clear image of it.

Our advice would be to install both parking sensors and reversing cameras, especially if you are not confident at parallel or reverse parking so you can see a clear picture and receive audio warnings while parking in a tight spot!

Alternatively, the Steelmate PTSV404 is a rear parking assist system, which shows you the precise distance in meters to obstacles in the detection zone on a three inch monitor and includes audible alerts.

If you don’t have parking sensors or reversing cameras already fitted to your car, why not talk to the expert team at AJT Installs to find out the benefits of installing them? Or you can click here to see our selection of Steelmate parking sensors.