Christmas is often a stressful year for some, with many scrambling to get to our high streets to get everything ready for the big day. However, with the Coronavirus still around, people are being urged to maintain social distancing when shopping it’s resulted in many avoiding their high street and taking to online shopping to their shopping done.

Although statistics regarding sales in November have yet to be released yet, in October 2020 the National Office of Statistics found that in the month of October food sales increased by 99.2%, department store sales increased by 87.2% and other non-food stores by 89.7%.

And with a majority of online sales being made at the largest retailer Amazon, there has been an increased number of delivery drivers, delivering our precious orders. However, with this increase in sales and deliveries, there has also been an increase in delivery van thefts.

Earlier this month, South Wales Police released footage showing a delivery driver pulling up to a property and delivering parcels in Bridge Street in the Centre of Cardiff. Moments later a person sees the van left running and open and immediately climbs into the cabin and leaves with the van and all the parcels inside. You can see the footage on their social media page here https://fb.watch/2iYoQ4QDHh/

And this isn’t the only theft. Another delivery vehicle was stolen in Llanrumney containing 30 parcels – some of which were later found discarded in a nearby lane.

South Wales Police are still investigating the theft of these vehicles and their contents so if you have any information regarding this please get in touch with them.

In another part of the UK, one delivery driver hung onto his van while a thief stole his vehicle in an attempt to stop his vehicle from being stolen. You can read more here

Following this recent spate of delivery van thefts, South Wales Police have issued some advice to delivery drivers delivering parcels this Christmas.

Remove keys and lock vehicle doors.

Whenever the vehicle is left attended, even for a second it’s important that you remove the keys and lock your vehicle. This includes paying for fuel, making a delivery, or receiving instructions.

Lock your doors when driving

Drive with the doors locked in order to deter thieves who may try to enter the vehicle when it’s stationary. If anti-theft systems are fitted make sure they are working and use them.

Park at approved locations

If you are parking the vehicle overnight, park them at approved locations and avoid dark isolated places. Try to park in a way that prevents thieves from gaining access to the rear doors. If you have a fleet of vehicles that are returned to a parking lot in the evenings, then you may want to read our recent blog here on how to protect them.

Be aware of bogus officials

It can be easy to assume that when someone is wearing a uniform and ID badge their official. However, you could be wrong. It’s important that you are aware of bogus official (who could be wearing stolen uniforms). It’s also important not to be distracted by other delivery drivers alerting or stopping you for supposed punctures, accidents, etc.

If a theft is being carried out on your vehicle stay in your cab

If you have pulled up to a location (whether that is for a delivery or parked for a break) and you realise that a theft is being carried out on your van, do not confront them. Stay in your cab. Lock the doors, start the engine, switch on the lights and if necessary, sound the horn to attract attention.

Be Alert

When driving, most of our attention is fixated on the road and traffic ahead of us. However, it’s important to take note of any vehicles behind you and ensure that they aren’t following you to a number of locations along your delivery route.

Have a fully charged phone

Whether your vehicle is being burgled while you’re in it or it has been stolen while your delivering, it’s important that you have a fully charged phone at hand to report any incidents to the police.

If you have been in an incident where your vehicle has been broken into or stolen, then contact South Wales Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Here at A&R Security Services, we understand the devasting feeling and effect a stolen vehicle can create to anyone. If you require security solutions for your fleet of vehicles or even your property then get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website to see how our tailored security solutions can protect your business.