How trackers and immobilisers protect your fleet

Key Takeaways:

• Fleet theft is a growing threat

• GPS trackers enable real-time monitoring and recovery

• Immobilisers prevent theft before it happens

• Layered security minimises risk and cuts costs

Vehicles are more than just transport for a business – they’re critical assets that keep operations running, whether they’re service and delivery vans, lorries or company cars.

According to one vehicle news platform, an analysis of DVLA data found that 12,950 vans were stolen in 2023, that’s up 18% from 2022. Sadly, that’s around 35 vans being stolen every day.

Each stolen vehicle can cost thousands in repairs or replacements, disrupt client services and lead to significant revenue losses.

For fleet managers, relying on standard locks is no longer enough and they need robust security across all of their firm’s vehicles as a business priority to protect assets and ensure continuity.

Here, the commercial vehicle security experts at Ghost Installations takes a closer look at the issue and what firms can do to protect themselves.

The role of GPS fleet trackers

GPS tracking technology should be the cornerstone of modern fleet security.

By fitting every vehicle with a Thatcham-approved tracker, businesses can locate a stolen vehicle in real time, significantly increasing recovery chances and minimising downtime.

Modern GPS trackers offer advanced features tailored for fleets, such as geofencing, which creates virtual boundaries around operational areas.

If a vehicle crosses these boundaries unexpectedly, managers receive instant alerts, enabling rapid response to potential theft.

Speed monitoring can also flag reckless driving, reducing accident risks and wear on vehicles.

Some systems provide driver behaviour analytics, identifying patterns like harsh braking or idling, which can improve fuel efficiency and safety.

For businesses with high-value cargo, trackers with cargo sensors can detect unauthorised access to goods, adding another layer of protection.

These features not only deter theft but also enhance fleet efficiency, making trackers a dual-purpose investment.

Choosing a system with a user-friendly mobile app ensures managers can monitor vehicles on the go, while integration with telematics platforms streamlines reporting for compliance or tax purposes.

Many trackers also integrate with 24/7 response centres that coordinate with police for swift recovery.

Beyond theft prevention, trackers deter misuse, such as employees using company vehicles for personal trips, so they reduce accident risks and operational costs.

For high-value or executive vehicles, Cat S5 trackers provide enhanced security with features like driver recognition – which is ideal for premium fleet assets.

Immobilisers and remote immobilisation

Immobilisers add a powerful layer of protection to fleet vehicles.

Standard immobilisers prevent a vehicle from starting without the correct key, but thieves can bypass these with techniques like key cloning or relay attacks.

Advanced solutions like the Ghost Immobiliser require a unique PIN entered via the vehicle’s existing buttons which are on the steering wheel or dashboard, to stop thieves even if they gain entry or possess a cloned key.

This is particularly valuable for fleets, protecting against both external theft and internal threats, such as ex-employees attempting unauthorised use.

Some high-end systems, like certain Cat S5 trackers, offer remote immobilisation, allowing a control centre to disable a stolen vehicle safely, for example, when it comes to a stop, preventing a thief from getting far.

For fleet managers, this combination of physical and remote immobilisation ensures vehicles, along with their valuable contents, stay secure.

Benefits to business and insurance

Investing in trackers and immobilisers delivers tangible benefits for businesses.

Financially, a well-secured fleet can lead to lower insurance premiums, as insurers view vehicles fitted with immobilisers and trackers as lower risk.

It helps too that many commercial fleet insurers offer discounts for Thatcham-approved trackers, and some mandate them for high-value vehicles like cargo vans or trucks.

Operationally, preventing theft avoids costly disruptions to client schedules and service delivery.

Stolen vehicles also pose liability risks, such as a thief using your van in a crime or for dangerous driving, your business could face legal or reputational damage.

Robust security mitigates these risks, protecting both your assets and your brand.

Implementing trackers – what to consider

Rolling out a fleet tracking system requires careful planning but offers significant rewards.

Opt for a professional-grade, Thatcham-approved tracking system that allows centralised monitoring of all vehicles via an intuitive dashboard.

Systems like those offered by Ghost Installations can integrate with fleet management tools for route planning, maintenance alerts and fuel efficiency tracking, adding value beyond security.

While subscription costs for tracking services vary, the return on investment is often quick when factoring in insurance savings, reduced misuse and avoiding costly theft losses.

Transparency is key so you should inform employees that vehicles are tracked to ensure compliance and deter misuse, while adhering to privacy regulations.

The vehicle security experts at Ghost Installations can guide businesses in selecting and installing the right trackers, whether for a small fleet of vans or a large, mixed vehicle operation.

Considerations for fleet trackers:

• Prioritise systems with robust battery backup to ensure functionality even if a thief tampers with the vehicle’s power
• Scalability is crucial, so choose a platform that can grow with your fleet, supporting additional vehicles without complex reconfiguration.
• Consider installation logistics: professional installation by providers like Ghost Installations ensures trackers are discreetly fitted to avoid detection by thieves.
• Training staff on tracker use and alert protocols maximises effectiveness, ensuring quick action when anomalies occur.
• Evaluate data security, so opt for systems with encrypted communications to protect sensitive location data.

We would also suggest for fleets which are operating in rural areas, that you use trackers with a strong signal coverage.

Trackers and immobilisers for fleets

Fleet vehicle theft is a real threat that can disrupt operations and erode profits, but proactive security measures can keep your business moving.

GPS trackers provide real-time oversight and rapid recovery, while immobilisers like the Ghost Immobiliser stop thieves in their tracks.

Together, these technologies safeguard your assets, reduce insurance costs and maintain operational continuity.

Don’t wait for thieves to strike and expose vulnerabilities, you should act now to protect your fleet.

Ghost Installations offers tailored solutions, from Thatcham-approved trackers to Ghost Immobilisers, ensuring your fleet is secure, whether it’s five vans or fifty vehicles.

Contact our friendly team today to build a custom security plan that keeps your business on the road.