|
Third time unlucky for lorry thieves...
Tracking device keeps tabs on stolen vehicle
A low-cost security device has paid quick dividends for a Cannock
business, by successfully tracking a stolen lorry and stock worth £35,000.
Arkwright Fencing, based in Bridgetown, makes and supplies
heavy-duty industrial and sports fencing to customers throughout the
country. But co-founder Tom Timmins, who helped set up the company
35 years ago, had reached breaking point with criminals, following
the theft of two wagons over recent months.
“Each of the vehicles is worth around £30,000 and the
load can run to several thousand, so we are talking major losses,”
he said. “Despite increased security it seemed the criminals had
the better of us, which is why I decided to look at vehicle tracking
as a solution.”
The company contacted Stafford based Competitive Tracking, which
duly fitted state-of-the-art tracking devices to all four Arkwright
vehicles, at a cost of less than one pound each per day.
Within weeks of the tracking installation, thieves struck again –
only this time the company was able to react:
“When the vehicle was started up, this sent a phone alert
to the owner,” said Tim Birkinshaw of Competitive Tracking. “The
thieves were unaware that they were transmitting signals, so we were
able to track their journey north on a computer.
“The police were alerted and eventually stopped the vehicle in
Lancashire, arresting the occupants on suspicion of theft. Now,
Arkwright Fencing have their lorry and its stock back, ready to
fulfil their next contracts.”
“We’re
delighted to have the wagon back,” said Tom Timmins. “The
tracking devices have already proved their worth and, as a bonus, we
are looking to reduce our insurance costs due to this excellent
security measure.”
|
