Fuel theft: how to plug the leak in African territories

Fuel theft is one of the main problems in automotive fleet management in Africa. However, few fleet managers realize the impact of these thefts on their management costs. Many even underestimate the scale of the phenomenon. Criminals proceed by siphoning fuel from vehicle tanks using various techniques. 

The scale of this phenomenon is accentuated by the ease with which these thefts are carried out. Basic solutions, such as protecting the fuel filler flap, are unfortunately insufficient. Thieves are quick to pierce the tank (thus causing damage and additional costs). 

Noticing the thefts is not enough. You need to take concrete steps to prevent them from happening again. Let's study together what can be done to reduce these risks 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 aimed at making it more difficult for thieves to access the fuel tank. We can therefore imagine parking along a barrier, on the side of the fuel filler flap. The idea is to ensure that parking adds a level of difficulty to any attempt to steal fuel. Between a vehicle that is easy to access and a vehicle that is more difficult to access, the person who has to act in an emergency will quickly make a decision. 

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 a barrier on the edge of your parking area, which will make it more difficult to access the parking lot. You can also intimidate thieves by lighting up the parking area. If what happens in your parking lot is visible from the road, criminals will think twice before forcing their way in. Finally, if you can afford it, you can also hire a security guard, or set up a network of cameras. This will allow you to keep an eye on things and identify the thieves if they still manage to attack one of your vehicles.

3. Invest in fuel sensors 

The advantage of choosing a fleet management solution like Fleeti is that it allows you to detect fuel theft in real time. Indeed, our sensors are programmed to alert you live to any sudden and unusual drop in the amount of fuel in the equipped tank. This allows you to act in real time, but also to identify the location of the theft and therefore learn more about the habits of the thieves. Fuel levels are updated continuously, allowing you to constantly monitor the fuel level in your tanks. Having this real-time monitoring will allow you to better assess the real impact of these thefts on your company.

4. Raise driver awareness

Sometimes overlooked, the drivers of your vehicles are one of the best ways to reduce fuel theft in your organization. They need to be informed of the risks of theft, not only because they endanger the company, but also because they sometimes endanger their own safety. 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 drivers. It is also important to point out to them that fuel sensors are there to help them in this prevention. 

Raising their awareness of good practices can also help you reduce the number of thefts. When they stop, encourage them to be attentive to the environment around them. Not leaving the vehicle unattended for too long, practicing defensive parking... so many easy things to implement that can protect you.

However, be aware that a determined thief will always manage to steal fuel. Here, we are looking at practices that can reduce the likelihood of theft. However, you should not put yourself in danger. Protect yourself before protecting the fuel.

Conclusion:

These 4 points are initial tips that can help you curb the increase in these thefts. While investing in fleet management software to monitor fuel may seem excessive, it is important to note that in most cases, it significantly reduces the likelihood of theft. 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 which are therefore worth avoiding.