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How to Stop Fuel Theft

Petrol and diesel fuel theft is currently at an all time high as society fights the frequent increases in fuel prices. Diesel theft in particular has become an international issue, with news of this form of theft also coming from other locations such as Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. As talk arises of fuel prices increasing further over the next few years, there is the issue of fuel theft increasing to great heights. As this potential threat faces us, now is the time to take the necessary measures to helping stop fuel theft and look at new ways in which to identify the thieves.

The main targets when it comes to fuel theft are vehicle fleets, farms which have diesel fuelled irrigators and equipment on the premises, construction sites, semi trucks; and gas stations. There are a variety of ways in which fuel thieves will attempt to obtain your fuel, but by using all the possible measures, you can help stop this common crime.

The first thing you should do is remember that you inventory includes your fuel. By having a detailed inventory for your business/operation, this will help you realise when a theft has occurred. It’s never too late to start inventorying your fuel and when recording your vehicle usage, check this against your fuel usage for a clear indication of theft. Those who operate a fleet of vehicles should consider using a range of defensive parking methods in order to deter fuel thieves. Park your vehicles so that the fuel tanks are easily visible in the street or place these in plain sight of any CCTV cameras you may have on the premises. If you have a large fleet, park your vehicles so that the fuel tanks cannot be accessed. Many business owners are looking to the use of locking fuel caps and anti-siphoning deterrents as a means of stopping theft. There are a range of products on the market which can help protect your fuel tanks and are rather cost effective. However, it is important to be aware that these are not a guarantee against protecting your fuel, but they will send out a message to fuel thieves that you are aware of them.

When it comes to protecting our assets, we need not only use locking and deterrent products, but can also use other, simpler forms of deterrent such as lighting. Good quality security lighting will work by lighting your defended areas which will make trespassers visible to passers by, neighbours and more importantly-the police. By ensuring that your fuel tanks are parked within the radius of your lighting, they will be more effective in acting as a deterrent. Alongside your lighting, invest in strong fences which can be placed around the perimeter of the premises, and also around your fuel pumps. Again, these cannot guarantee the safety of your fuel, but will help to make fuel thieves think twice about stealing it. One of the most effective methods which are being used in order to stop fuel theft is the use of fuel dyes. Petrol and diesel dyes can be added into your fuel in a variety of colours in order to not help make each form of fuel more identifiable, but also make it easier to detect in the event of a theft. These types of dyes are resistant to simple removal techniques meaning that they cannot be easily stripped and sold elsewhere. Not only do fuel dyes make a great investment, but they also provide you with the sense of security that any thieves will have a greater chance of being caught.

There are a number of ways in which we can help stop fuel theft which are not only effective, but send out a strong message to the criminals themselves. However, only by making the effort to do our part can we truly protect our own fuel and in doing so, our business.

Article Source: http://www.ezinearticles.mk

Petroleum Logistics specialise in fuel dyes and biodiesel additives to help protect your fuel from unscrupulous individuals.

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