Has the vehicle definitely been stolen?

Before taking further action, confirm the vehicle hasn’t simply been moved or used by someone else:

• Check who has access: Ask colleagues or anyone who might have the keys if they’ve moved or used the vehicle. Review any CCTV footage on site.
• Confirm parking locations: Ensure the vehicle wasn’t parked somewhere else, or impounded for traffic offences.
• Retrace your steps: Sometimes vehicles are misplaced; double-check all expected parking areas.

Verifying these points avoids unnecessary panic or wasted time.

How to report a stolen vehicle

In Ireland, if you are confident that the vehicle has been stolen:

• Report immediately to An Garda Síochána, either in person at your local Garda station or by phone.
• Gardaí will ask for details such as:
  • Vehicle make, model, colour, and registration plate
  • The company that the vehicle belongs to
  • The location and approximate time the vehicle was taken
• You will receive a crime reference number (CRN), which you will need for insurers. Gardaí will also log the vehicle on the PULSE system, which helps all Garda stations identify and recover stolen vehicles.

Check your company policy

Your company may have a specific procedure for stolen vehicles. Notify your supervisor, fleet manager, or designated contact immediately to ensure company protocols are followed.

How to find a stolen vehicle

A vehicle tracking system - particularly one with stolen vehicle recovery capabilities - can be immensely helpful in locating a stolen vehicle. If your vehicle has one of these systems installed, use it to provide location data to Gardaí. Avoid trying to recover the vehicle yourself, as this could endanger your safety or interfere with the investigation.

The good news is, stolen vehicles with these systems installed have promising recovery rates. Radius’ Investigations Unit has a success rate of 98% for recovering cars and vans and has recovered over €25 million of assets in the last five years.

Systems such as these can not only improve the chances of recovery, but can also prevent theft in the first place. In fact, a recent study by Thatcham Research found that cars fitted with Thatcham approved trackers, such as Neon, are five times less likely to be stolen than cars without them.

Contact your insurance provider

After reporting to Gardaí:

1. Contact your insurance provider immediately.
2. Provide the CRN, vehicle details, policy information, and any other relevant information.
3. Follow your insurer’s guidance on claims, replacement vehicles, and any potential payout if the vehicle is not recovered.

Company vehicles in Ireland typically fall under commercial insurance, so procedures may differ from personal car insurance.

Vehicle recovery and prevention

• Install GPS asset trackers approved by your insurer to improve recovery chances.
• Park in secure locations and remove valuables from vehicles.
• Review fleet insurance coverage regularly to ensure protection against theft.
• Educate staff on key security practices to reduce theft risk.

Protecting your fleet in the future

• Use Stolen vehicle tracking systems for all company vehicles.
• Ensure vehicles are well maintained and secured.
• Train drivers on fleet security protocols and proper reporting procedures.
• Review insurance and security regularly to minimise the impact of any future thefts.

Summary

In Ireland, the key steps after a company vehicle is stolen are:

• Confirm the vehicle hasn’t been moved or used by others.
• Report the theft to An Garda Síochána immediately.
• Obtain your crime reference number (CRN).
• Contact your insurance provider promptly.
• Use vehicle tracking systems where available.
• Follow company policies and take steps to prevent future thefts.
• By following these steps, Irish businesses can minimise disruption, protect their assets, and increase the likelihood of vehicle recovery.