Crackdown on Cargo Theft
It's long been the case, that one of the most prevalent issues facing the haulage industry, has been theft. A full lorry-load of stock can be worth tens of thousands of pounds, making them a lucrative target for criminals - especially at service stations, during the dead of night, when drivers are taking their daily rest.
Our local police force, West Mercia, began an operation last month to target thefts from lorries across Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire, from lorries at service stations & laybys. The force said they had already dealt with 140 similar offences, in the year up to December 2023. The idea behind this Police operation is to reassure drivers that a police presence will reduce their risk of being victim to these types of crimes.
“We know most haulage thefts are connected to organised crime and the items they steal are likely sold on with the cash used to fuel further criminality.”
Unfortunately, it's all too common that drivers wake up to discover tears, rips, or slashes in their trailer curtains from criminals 'peeking' into the trailers, identifying their best opportunity to make some quick cash, at someone else's expense.
The safety of drivers should be of the utmost priority for haulage firms, and sadly it seems all firms are not aligned on this point - the UK forum TruckNet has multiple reports of drivers being charged by their employers, for fuel thefts and loss-of-stock which have taken place during the night. It's no wonder so many drivers are leaving the industry, to take up other, safer jobs when working conditions are as such.
So what can we do, to reduce this risk?
West Mercia Police are encouraging drivers to park in secure, well-lit areas, with loading doors closed, close to other vehicles, or even better against solid walls, where possible, to make it harder for criminals to gain access to cargo. More advice can be found below, from the Government website; while most of these are common sense, it's always good to review your own practices to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Use Secure Overnight Parks, with the 'ParkMark' - you can find a map of approved parking locations here.
Park with the loading doors close to another vehicle or wall. When returning to your lorry, check for signs of any interference. Record your check on a checklist
Protect documents such as shipping orders and consignment notes. If these are stolen, criminals can use them to pick up valuable loads.
Do not leave your personal property on view in the cab.
Always secure your lorry when you leave it - lock and set alarms.
Avoid taking the same routes or stops for breaks. A recognisable pattern makes you an easier target for criminals.
More advice on protecting your goods vehicle and its cargo can be found on the government website here: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c6eafed915d6969f44d1a/lorry-leaflet.pdf
