17-12-2007
Van insurance warning issued
Van insurance companies rarely pay out if the driver has left the key in the ignition, North Yorkshire Police has stated.
Therefore it could prove a costly mistake to leave the engine of a commercial vehicle running while leaving it unattended, the authority warned this week.
The statement from the police follows a spate of van thefts in the North Yorkshire area - a trend that North Yorkshire Police is concerned could continue.
Drivers who leave their engines running while dropping off deliveries are being targeted by the thieves.
"This is a new type of crime spree emerging in the Selby district. It is an easy crime to prevent, however I understand why it happens," said Inspector Richard Abbott, from the Selby Safer Neighbourhoods Team.
"Drivers need to know that their vehicle may be targeted and although they feel safe, should always take out their keys and lock the van securely before leaving it unattended."
In other van news, Fleet News reports that a new in-car alcohol tester, dubbed Alcoloc 500, has been launched. It has been designed to stop drink-driving at work, an offence that can result in van insurance premiums increasing, as well as other more serious incidents.