Many fleet vehicles have been idled or parked in storage areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. One consequence has been an uptick in part thefts from these parked vocational vehicles.
Law enforcement officials in Tulsa, Okla., have seen a spike in pickup truck tailgate thefts. In fact, stolen tailgates accounted for many of the 300 parts ripped from vehicles in Tulsa last year, according to a report on KTUL.
Law enforcement officials in Tulsa, Okla., have seen a rise in thefts of pickup tailgates, which can be prevented with a tailgate lock.
Protecting vehicle assets from vandalism and theft is a growing problem for many fleets.Industrywide, these thefts run the gamut from catalytic converters, tailgates, and spare tires, all the way to the vehicle itself. As fuel prices increase, fuel theft becomes more common, especially fuel siphoning. Trucks parked overnight are found the next day with holes in the fuel tanks to steal the drained fuel. Here's what companies need to do to secure unattended vehicles.
Texas topped the list as the state with the most tailgate theft claims and is followed by California, Arizona and Florida.
Crimes of opportunity can be prevented by taking a few simple anti-theft steps with your fleet vehicles.