A Comprehensive Guide to Counter Fuel Theft for Fleets
Typical targets for fuel thieves are the open spaces for commercial vehicles, construction sites, and farmland. A shocking number of fuel thefts happen to commercial fleets, burdening managers with substantial financial deficits.
As part of our range of fuel storage and management solutions, we have significant experience recommending security options and supplying secure access methods to help you protect your fuel. Read on to explore what management and access methods we provide.
Recognising Fuel Theft
Fuel theft continues to escalate owing to the unpredictable fluctuations in fuel prices. As costs surge, thieves are increasingly motivated to exploit this valuable commodity, leading to heightened incidents of fuel theft and commercial firms bearing the brunt of these transgressions. Consequently, preventative measures and rigorous safeguarding techniques are essential to circumvent this growing concern and protect essential fuel resources.
Beyond the financial harm of replacing the stolen fuel, fuel theft inflicts significant machinery damage to your onsite fuel storage, which will later need repairs. Tampered supply pipes, shattered sight gauges, and fuel seepage into surrounding environments will result in expensive remediation and invalidated insurance.
Theft or Spills
It is not uncommon for fuel to become ‘unaccounted’ due to accidental spillage during refuelling or inconsistent records by harried staff. The approaches to rectify such situations clearly carry distinctive nuances compared to those used to counteract theft. When the situation escalates, companies begin realising the magnitude of accumulated loss incurred over an extensive period.
Importance of Early Detection with Fuel Monitoring Software
Throughout our extensive experiences with fuel mismanagement and theft, we have recognised the necessity for early detection to avert extensive losses. Rapid identification of unusual activities facilitates the swift implementation of corrective measures and undermines the impact of the issue at hand.
What are some warning signs pointing to potential fuel theft? A sudden surge in fuel consumption without corresponding operational changes could serve as a forewarning. Our clients, on occasion, have observed substantial reductions in their vehicle fuel efficiency, inciting suspicion.
Fuel Monitoring Solution: TankWatch
The TankWatch Fuel Monitoring software has many beneficial features. It provides invaluable and real-time data on stock movements, tank capacity, deliveries, and ullage. Its functionality promotes a proactive management approach and is exceptionally responsive to any potential issues in your fuel resources amid waning and waxing market scenarios.
Featuring responsive control panels linked to a network of probes, TankWatch tracks the fuel inside your tanks. It offers a local interface at your storage point, enhancing the security of fuel delivery and reducing vulnerabilities. If sudden changes appear in the tank content, our system rapidly highlights potential tank leaks, supporting swift, preventive action.
TankWatch integrates with your fuel infrastructure and, alongside our FT4000 fuel pump range, will provide essential data for our fuel monitoring software (FMO). This data will be compiled and presented in detail to allow you to monitor your company’s fuel usage and status easily and alert you of any irregularities.
Built to endure the rigours of transport environments, TankWatch is housed in a robust casing coupled with a bright, easy-to-read display to retain flawless readability even under direct sunshine. TankWatch enhances any installation thanks to its varied features and can be fit either as part of a new complete fuel management package or retrospectively into your current system.
Fuel Security Solutions: Data tags and DataNozzles
In the pursuit of heightened fuel access security solutions for commercial fleets, we provide the following options designed to minimise fuel theft vulnerability and optimise fleet management efficiency.
Fueltek Datatag Access Method
The Fueltek Datatag is a reliable, handheld access device available for integration with any FT4000 Fuel Access Control Terminal (FACT). Durable and programmed to last the lifetime of the system, this read/write device is equipped with numerous parameters such as maximum usage per day, maximum volume per fuelling, time zones, and active periods of use.
The Datatag also enables prompts at the FT4000 for additional entries like driver identification, mileage readings, hour meter readings, and other data inputs. Moreover, it can be programmed remotely, allowing you to make changes to the Datatag, even when not in its physical possession, further enhancing convenience and security.
Fueltek DataNozzle Access Method
The Fueltek DataNozzle access method is available for any FT4000 Fuel Access Control Terminal (FACT) and presents a genuine increase in security and time-saving functionality over traditional handheld access methods.
No cables or complex installation processes are necessary with the Fueltek DataNozzle; simply insert the nozzle into a vehicle’s fuel tank and carry out the fuelling process like before. The DataNozzle enables automatic vehicle identification as well as automatic mileage recognition if a vehicle is equipped with output mileage.
Utilising the DataNozzle not only mitigates the risk of unauthorised fuelling but also eradicates the need for driver input of mileage data, saving time and improving reporting accuracy.
By incorporating Fueltek Datatags and DataNozzle into your fleet management system, you are adding advanced layers of security and efficiency that safeguard your valuable fuel assets and ensure the smooth functioning of your commercial fleet.
CCTV Surveillance
Another preventive measure involves employing technology. We recommend the installation of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) to observe your fuel tanks. Having a vigilant eye over your storage facility presents an immediate and transparent visual deterrent for potential thieves.
The mere presence of CCTV cameras can influence the behaviour of individuals within their field of view. They not only record fuel theft attempts, making the thieves accountable, but also dissuade potential offenders due to fear of being caught.
Lighting up the Storage Area
After investing in onsite bunded fuel tanks, we advise adopting a simple but powerful measure: exceptional lighting in the storage area. Our experience at Fueltek shows that a well-lit area often discourages theft; darkness provides a protective cloak to potential thieving activities, and good lighting removes such concealment.
Fuel Security Options at Fueltek
By implementing this advice, commercial fleets will benefit from reduced fuel theft risks and improved operational efficiency. We will be your committed partner to our customers, and we are dedicated to understanding your need for better security and supporting your fleet in achieving these goals. Contact us to discuss how our solutions will improve your business.
