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Vehicle Security

Vehicle theft has increased by 50% in the last five years and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that the number of claims for vehicle theft is the highest since 2012, with a payment being made in respect of vehicle crime every 8 minutes.

In the last four years the overall cost of motor theft claims has doubled and works out at over £1.2m paid to policyholders every day.

This is surprising considering the improvements made to vehicle security over the last 30 years and whilst the traditional method of breaking windows and forcing door locks is still prevalent, more sophisticated means are being utilised. As vehicles become smarter and with the move towards autonomy, cyber security is an emerging risk for motor manufactures, insurers and drivers due to the threat of hacking and data theft.

Passive keyless entry systems that allow vehicles to be opened and driven if the key fob is in the immediate vicinity can be exploited using a technique called ‘relay attack’. Thieves using a signal boosting device can capture the signal from the key fob, allowing the vehicle to be unlocked and stolen within minutes.

 

What can you do the reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen?

  • Keys should be kept in a secure location at all times and not withing easy reach
  • If you have a keyless entry vehicle –
    • Make sure your fob is kept well away from doors and windows
    • Consider using a signal blocking pouch, to store the fob when not in use
    • Check the manufactures handbook to see if it is possible to turn off the wireless signal
  • If you are unsure of the vehicle’s history of do not have both sets of keys considering getting keys reprogrammed
  • Consider fitting additional security devices – steering wheel locks, alarms and tracking systems
  • Park the vehicle securely – in a garage, or well-lit area
  • Avoid leaving theft attractive items on display in the vehicle when it is unattended
  • Ensure any vehicle functionality that is controlled by a mobile phone app is regularly updated in line with the manufacture’s guidelines

Could stopping and thinking before acting save more lives?

With Farm Fatalities rising over 70% in the last 12 months which lets face it is a shocking devastating and worrying statistic and it recently being farm safety awareness week, what can you do to protect yourself, your families and your workers?

This time of year can be exhausting for agricultural workers, with pressure of the weather being somewhat unpredictable and needing to race the clock to get things completed it is understandable sometimes risks can be taken

It is widely acknowledged that farming can be a very dangerous occupation, daily challenges are faced with contributing factors of long hours, fatigue, stress and isolated working conditions in many circumstances.

A quote from a Health and Safety Executive Inspector was hard to ignore….’In 20 plus years of doing his job he had only investigated ONE incident which could not have been genuinely unavoidable’

Quite a statement you will agree?

We all know farms can be hazardous places machinery constantly on the move, feed wagons and milk tankers in and out at all times of the day and night.

By taking the time to read if you haven’t already, or if you have take the time to refresh your memory on things like SAFE STOP when using a farm vehicle could save an incident from happening.

Take a minute to put a helmet on before jumping on a quad bike

No one wants to be thinking if only I did it that way, that may not have happened.

With these incidents on the rise, we can only expect more potential visits from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Incidentally it was just announced in the Farmers Weekly 3rd May 2021 their costs per hour have risen from £124 to £154 per hour.

Fees For Intervention were introduced in 2012, meaning businesses are charged for the costs of an investigation from the time a material breach is identified to the point when a decision is made on the enforcement action. Farmer’s Weekly estimate that on average, an inspector will spend 6 hours on one investigation.  Meaning the average cost of one investigation is £950

At PSP Group, we have access to a product called ‘Rural Protect’ which you may have read about, the product has many features and benefits, one of which is fees for intervention cover which essentially will cover the cost of the HSE Fees if they arrive at your farm for an inspection.  Please be aware it will not cover any ‘fine’ costs but it will cover court costs if needed limits will apply.

The policy can be sold in isolation and the premiums start at around £300 per annum, it is very quick and easy for us to obtain a quotation for you, don’t waste any time give us a call today 01566 777710.

 

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