WITH fuel prices resuming their relentless upward trend, ways of combating theft by ever more resourceful opportunists are sharply back in focus.

Bulk diesel prices are up by an average of 10 per cent already this year and now represent an estimated 45 per cent of commercial vehicle running costs.

So, to thieves and fiddlers large stocks of fuel are an attractive target. Probably every UK family possesses at least one diesel powered car or van so the opportunities for "black market" activities are huge!

The people who steal fuel are relentless; they will cut pipework, drill holes in tanks or do whatever is necessary to get their hands on the fuel. Once they have taken what they need (or can carry) they disappear, often leaving the contents of an aboveground tank to drain from the pipework they have cut or from the hole they have drilled – these people have scant regard for the environment, and leave the unfortunate fleet operator to explain the resulting pollution to the Environment Agency

Other threats come from less aggressive thieves, we all like to think our employees are honest and trustworthy, however the price of fuel and proliferation of Diesel powered cars provides the obvious temptation.

For companies who hold fuel stocks the need to protect their major "liquid gold" assets is now more pressing than ever. Nowadays it takes more than a padlock and chain to keep the more determined thief at bay.

Physical deterrents such as high fences, barriers, restricted access to fuelling areas and advanced surveillance using security cameras all play their part. Indeed, one Cameron Forecourt customer recently went for a belt and braces approach and asked us to install a brand new system inside a ring of steel in the form of a sea container! This also has the added benefit of disguising the fact that fuel is stored on site at all.

It's at the point of storage and dispensing that more subtle security can be employed using the latest developments in fuelling technology. Bunded or double-skinned tanks with discreet and protected pipework make it that much harder for thieves. One thing we do know about these people is that they are not keen on hard work and will soon be off in search of an easier goal if things begin to get difficult.

Other deterrents include pressure regulating and anti-syphon valves which can sense and stem any unauthorised fuel flow in the pipework. Not only do these valves provide security against theft but also give added environmental protection by arresting the flow of fuel, therefore preventing pollution.

With fuel at its current high price it is essential to efficiently and accurately monitor the level of fuel in the tanks and many installations now incorporate advanced electronic tank gauging. These extremely accurate "electronic dipsticks" not only sense fuel being drawn but also maintain an accurate record of the amount of fuel delivered by your supplier. Obviously if you know exactly how much fuel goes into a tank and are recording fuel usage it makes it easier to detect deficiencies, and catch the person who might see fit to award themselves a regular "unofficial bonus".

On its own electronic gauging is an extremely useful tool for keeping a magic eye on your stocks, but by integrating it with a computerised fuel management system, you can add a totally new dimension to create an omniscient ally in the battle against theft.

Fuel Management systems traditionally provide data including fuel usage, mileage returns, driver performance and fuel costs. By integrating an electronic gauging system with a sophisticated management system such as Cameron's Eclipse or Nova web-based system enhanced round the clock security can be provided by recognising vehicle fuelling activities outside of normal working hours, loss by sudden leakage, or use by unauthorised personnel. Once a problem has been detected, the system is programmed to raise the alarm by sending a responsible person an email or SMS text message.

This, of course, provides a valuable early warning to alert on-site security or the police – a stitch in time could save you an awful lot.

There is not a "silver bullet" available to immediately safeguard your fuel storage installation against theft, but there are many measures which can be taken to make it that much more difficult for thieves to help themselves to your valuable assets. Cameron Forecourt has in excess of 30 years experience in providing a complete turnkey package of services embracing the supply, installation and maintenance of fuel tank, pumps and their associated control and gauging systems. If you think you have a security issue with your fuel installation please give us a call.