Also the worldwide economic crisis sharply increased theft incidents in Europe of the number of parked semi-trailers and truck-trailers, or combinations with a tractor-truck. These thefts occurred notwithstanding the many mechanical and/or electronic security measures implemented. Often these vehicle thefts take place when the driver makes a short stop or when the (tractor) semi-trailer is parked along the road or on a parking lot.

These vehicle thefts, often with cargo, are still possible because it turns out that the applied anti-theft security measures can be relatively quick immobilized. If the tractor can be started again and the parking brake can be released, nearly always the semi-trailer or combination is gone!!

It can be stated that as long as wheels of the semi-trailer can rotate, the semi-trailer or truck-trailer with or without cargo, parked or coupled to the tractor-truck, is vulnerable for theft.

Innovatie Support has, as part of an internal innovation study, developed an intelligent-integrated wheel lock idea named "i-Anti Theft Wheel Lock System". The working princi- ple of the wheel lock system is designed for non-driven wheels. In this respect it is also applicable for other automotive- and industrial vehicle applications like trucks, cars, forklifts, etc.

As reference for this idea study served a 9-tons axle of which both wheels can be locked after parking, independently of vehicle´s brake-parking systems.

An implemented "i-Anti Theft Wheel Lock System" will reduce the theft attempts and thefts to the absolute minimum because, if the thief drives away with 2-wheels locked, this creates visual and audible warning signals to the surrounding. Attempts to immobilize on the road this integrated wheel lock system will be very time demanding-hardly impossible. If preferred, also options can be implemented in the system to transmit, during the theft attempt, wireless warning signals.

The "i-Anti Theft Wheel Lock System" idea is security effective for (volume) road transport of for example Electronic-, Automotive-, Defense-, and Medical special and/or value Products & Systems.

Follow-up

TVM, one of the biggest transport insurance companies in Europe, has put the concept of the "i-Anti Theft Wheel Lock System" on their list of security products used to advise their customers.

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