Criminals use mobility – recognize the signs and prevent misuse of your vehicles

Increasingly, rental and leased vehicles are proving to be a popular means for criminals to facilitate illegal activities — from burglaries to drug smuggling and even terror. In practice, we see this problem almost weekly. We are regularly approached by landlords who suspect criminal use of vehicles, or report embezzlement or theft of one or more cars.

As BOVAG aptly describes in a recent article, mobility plays an important role within criminal networks. Increasingly, rental and lease cars are used for illegal activities, not returned or found completely stripped. The damage for rental and leasing companies is enormous.
In the article, BOVAG and the police further emphasize how important it is for entrepreneurs to be resilient against criminal misuse of vehicles. They share practical tips to recognise suspicious signs at an early stage (the so-called red flags), train employees, make safety measures visible and take preventive steps.
The crucial role of track and trace technology is therefore explained in detail. Once a vehicle has been rented, track & Trace to recognize signs of suspicious use at an early stage. The police also recommend using an additional anti-theft system, which – in the event of embezzlement or theft – significantly increases the chance of recovery.

Track & trace: an indispensable preventive measure

The use of track & trace is not only a means of detection, but also a powerful preventive measure. It helps deter criminals, recognize suspicious patterns, and respond more quickly to anomalous use.

Why track & trace is an effective prevention tool:

  1. Deterrent effect – visible tracking systems or transparency in the use of track & trace have a preventive effect: smaller, ‘everyday and kitchen’ criminals prefer to choose an easier target.
  2. Early detection – suspicious journeys or deviating routes are immediately visible so that action can be taken in good time.
  3. Fast follow-up – in the event of theft or misappropriation, the exact location is known, allowing the vehicle to be found quickly.
  4. Strengthening other measures – track and trace complements human alertness and internal procedures, creating a layered prevention system.

How Rental Tracker helps

At Rental Tracker , we support rental companies, leasing companies and fleet managers with advanced GPS solutions.
Our systems collect driving behaviour data via GPS and sensors, which are generated in real-time displayed in our online portal. This gives you direct insight into the usage of each vehicle . Our telematics in monitoring exceedances and recognizing suspicious patterns. Think of night driving, intensive use or excessive speeding. Based on this data, automatic warnings can be set up, so that suspicious use or abuse is detected at an early stage.

Rental Tracker has extensive experience in monitoring and tracing vehicles. We offer support in quickly locating and securing vehicles, so that damage is limited and criminals have less chance.
Our GPS solutions make the difference: you not only maintain an overview, but also prevent your vehicles from unintentionally becoming part of criminal activity.

Source: BOVAG – “Prevent criminals from gaining a foothold”
Read the full article on My BOVAG – Prevent criminals from gaining a foothold

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