Value of goods stolen from trucks hits more than £100m

The value of losses from goods stolen from lorries has risen by almost two-thirds to £111.5 million, according to the latest freight crime statistics. 

Freight crime - or theft from lorries - continues to impact drivers and businesses across the UK every day, resulting in significant financial losses, says the Road Haulage Association (RHA). 

It affects the health, safety, and wellbeing of lorry drivers, making it more difficult for firms to recruit and retain staff and pushing up the price of goods.

The RHA has been calling for a national, co-ordinated approach to tackling freight crime and is again calling on policymakers to consider the needs of drivers and hauliers who play an essential role in the supply chain and in the wider economy.

RHA managing director, Richard Smith, said: “These figures highlight the fact that freight crime is becoming more serious, more organised, and more intelligence led. 

“Criminals have always known what goods are moving, when they’re moving and where they’re most at risk – and now it’s even higher reward for them.”

He added: “Criminals are increasingly focusing on vulnerable vehicles parked independently in laybys and industrial estates.  

“We’re on the back foot because these figures still only represent estimates as we rely on voluntary reports by police forces.

“We'll only know the true scale of the issue when we get the specific freight crime reporting code that the RHA has long been campaigning for.”

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freight and Logistics, Rachel Taylor MP, said “The fact that fewer thefts are occurring at truckstops suggests that industry and Government investment to date is working. 

“However, there's a long way to go and these figures underline the urgent need for more to be done to ensure our drivers and businesses are properly protected.”

Taylor is bringing forward a 10-minute rule motion in Parliament this week, calling on the Government to introduce a specific crime code so that police forces across the country can better monitor freight offences. 

“That’s an important step in ensuring we can track freight criminals and put them behind bars where they belong,” she added.

With the Government’s Spending Review underway, the RHA is urging ministers to continue the grant scheme for HGV parking facilities and better target the funding in high crime locations.

Key recommendations for the Government from the APPG for Freight and Logistics to tackle freight crime include: endorse and support secure parking standards; launch a national parking programme; increase support and resources for the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service; and launch a national freight crime awareness campaign.