Fuel theft is one of the major issues in fleet management in Africa. However, few fleet managers realize the impact of fuel theft on their management costs. Many even underestimate the extent of the phenomenon. Criminals proceed by siphoning off vehicle fuel tanks using various techniques. 

The extent of this phenomenon is accentuated by the ease with which these thefts can be carried out. Basic solutions, such as protecting the fuel door, are unfortunately insufficient. The thieves are quick to puncture the tank (resulting in damage and additional costs). 

Noticing the thefts is not enough. You need to take concrete steps to prevent them from happening again. Let's look at what can be done to reduce the risk of theft.

1. Opt for defensive parking against fuel theft

Defensive parking is a concept that encompasses all practices aimed at protecting your vehicle through parking. In our case, this includes practices that make it more difficult for thieves to access the gas tank. One can therefore imagine parking along a fence, on the side of the fuel door. The idea is that parking adds a level of difficulty to any fuel theft attempt. Between a vehicle that is easy to access and one that is more difficult to access, the thinking of the person who must act in an emergency is quickly done. 

2. Use cameras, protect your parking areas...

If you have parking areas of your own, it is best to protect them. For example, you can put up a barrier on the edge of your parking space, which will make it more difficult to enter the parking lot. You can also intimidate thieves by lighting the parking area. If what happens in your parking lot is visible from the road, criminals will think twice about breaking in. Finally, if you can afford it, you can also hire a security guard, or set up a camera network. This will allow you to keep an eye on and identify thieves if they still manage to attack one of your vehicles.

3. Invest in fuel sensors 

L’avantage de choisir une solution de gestion de flotte automobile comme Fleeti, c’est qu'elle permet de détecter en temps réel un vol de carburant. En effet, nos capteurs sont programmés pour vous signaler en direct toute baisse subite et inhabituelle de la quantité de carburant dans le réservoir équipé. Cela vous permet d’agir en temps réel, mais également d’identifier le lieu du vol et donc d’en apprendre plus sur les habitudes des voleurs. Les niveaux de carburant sont mis à jour en continu, pour vous permettre de suivre constamment le niveau de carburant dans vos réservoirs. Avoir ce suivi en temps réel vous permettra de mieux évaluer l’impact réel de ces vols sur votre entreprise.

4. Educate drivers

Sometimes overlooked, your drivers are one of the best ways to reduce fuel theft at your facility. It is important to inform them of the risks of theft, not only because they put the company at risk, but also because they sometimes put their own safety at risk. Indeed, some thefts take place during the day, when the vehicle is stopped for a delivery or a break for example. These criminal actions sometimes have dramatic consequences for the drivers. It is important to point out that fuel sensors are there to help them in this prevention. 

Educating them on good practices can also help you reduce the number of thefts. When they stop, encourage them to be aware of their surroundings. Don't leave the vehicle unattended for too long, practice defensive parking... these are all things that are easy to put in place and can protect you.

Beware, however, that a determined thief will always be able to take fuel from you. Here we see practices that can reduce this propensity to steal. But don't put yourself at risk. Protect yourself before you protect the fuel.

Conclusion:

These 4 points are the first tips that can help you to try to put a stop to the increase of these thefts. If investing in a fleet management software to monitor your fuel may seem excessive, it is important to note that in most cases, it allows you to strongly reduce this propensity to theft. The monitoring is done live. You are able to see where the theft took place, when and in what context. This allows you, for example, to notice and report "danger zones", areas where thefts are recurrent and that it is therefore interesting to avoid.