Heightening security with advanced telematics

By Categories: Commercial NewsPublished On: Monday 24 August 2020

Steve Thomas, managing director of tracking solutions provider Ctrack, discusses a range of technological developments that are helping to combat vehicle-related crime

Telematics has long provided an effective means of tracking and recovering stolen vehicles, but in recent years the technology has gone far beyond simply pinpointing a location on a map. There are now a host of features that can identify and prevent criminal activity, enabling transport operators to better protect their fleets and mobile workforces.

Ctrack’s systems have been tested in high-risk countries, such as South Africa, where hijackings and motor vehicle theft represent a huge danger to motorists and professional drivers. The lessons learned from this experience have resulted in the development of telematics-based tools that provide high levels of vehicle security to fleets within the UK.

Many of these advances are linked to having greater visibility of any unauthorised vehicle activity, so transport operators can take rapid and preventative action.

Predefined geozones and integrated planning can see if a vehicle has deviated from an approved route, entered a no-go zone, or moved outside an area of operation. This can be particularly useful when transporting high-value loads or operating expensive equipment.

There are then other security features that warn of potential or imminent threats. As criminals evolve, using new technology or tactics to overcome vehicle security systems, so to has telematics had to adapt. As such, it is now possible to detect the use of GSM or GPS jammers or any tampering to the battery or tracking unit.

A telematics system is also able to identify any illegal movement when the ignition is switched off to help combat a growing number of thefts where a vehicle is placed onto a low loader trailer and driven off.

Criminals are increasingly aware that vehicles are monitored and where the unit is installed, so there is a risk that the tracking can be bypassed. As a result, there is increasing demand for a secondary device that is activated in the event of this happening.

Innovations around ultra-compact, battery-powered technology has made it possible for a dormant back-up unit to be concealed in the vehicle in a cost-effective manner.

Immobilisation is another consideration, with a range of options available. When a theft has occurred, a transport operator can immobilise a vehicle remotely when it becomes stationary and no longer being driven (it is illegal to immobilise a vehicle in motion or in an unsafe situation).

In addition, immobilisation can prevent any unauthorised usage, with driver identification – in the form of a fob, RFID tag or log-in – required before a vehicle can be operated. For mixed fleets, restrictions can also be set based on licence type.

Video telematics is increasingly being used to improve road safety and reduce insurance costs, but there are applications that support enhanced security. For example, it is possible to set cameras to continue to record after a vehicle has been parked up, which can capture evidence of any criminal activity, with one of our customers identifying a costly fuel theft scam.

Meanwhile, cargo cameras can additionally monitor load security and a panic button connected to a dashcam can allow the driver to raise an alarm regarding a threat.

Security remains a major challenge for transport operators and they face a constant battle to stay ahead of criminals seeking to steal vehicles, equipment and cargo.

Telematics is at the forefront of this fight, providing ever greater visibility and control to protect assets and loads. It provides the insight needed to minimise the impact of crime and take steps to reduce risk within a transport operation.

www.ctrack.co.uk