Sep 192011
Freight drivers carrying goods along major transport routes are urged to be extra vigilant as preparations for Christmas get underway. TruckPol, the UK’s freight crime intelligence unit, has warned that freight drivers will be prime targets as organised criminals take advantage of the transportation of festive goods in the coming weeks.
Road freight crime costs the UK economy up to £250 million each year, with the average loss of each crime over £22,500.* It is a recognised trend that the number of offences increases in the period before Christmas, a trend of which road freight drivers should be aware.
“With fewer daylight hours as winter approaches, drivers should be extra careful on their travels,” said Detective Sergeant Sue Coutts, Head of TruckPol. “We’re advising drivers to stay alert to the potential threat, not to leave keys in their cab’s ignition and to always lock their vehicle, both while driving and stationary, even if it’s just left for a split second.
“Additionally, we encourage drivers to use secure police-approved parking whenever possible. We are working with police forces across the UK to gather intelligence on freight crime and continue introducing preventative measures, as well as collaborating with the Road Haulage Association in the promotion of secure parking.”
TruckPol issues the following guidelines for drivers:
• Plan your route in advance: avoid regular routes and stopping places, which could be under the observation of organised crime gangs
• Do not discuss your goods: avoid conversing with others about your load and where it is destined
• Do not leave keys in the ignition: nearly half of stolen vehicles are taken when the keys have been left in them
• Lock before you leave: ALWAYS lock your cab, even if you will only be away for a few minutes. Your personal effects are a target for thieves
• Protect your identity: keep documents and company clothing hidden. If stolen, thieves could impersonate you and collect your loads
• Use Park Mark: The Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme ensures the parking area has been assessed by police and processes are in place to make the location safer for drivers
• Report any suspicious behaviour: whether you believe a vehicle is following you or there are unknown persons acting suspiciously near your depot, inform your transport office and/or TruckPol via their online form www.truckpol.com/contact.htm
TruckPol, a division of the ACPO Vehicle Intelligence Service (AVCIS), was created to collate and disseminate statistical data and intelligence on road freight crime within the UK in order to drive down offences.
If you are interested in more information about TruckPol, or wish to attend its bi-monthly update meetings, please contact TruckPol on +44(0)2476 826 131 or truckpol@avcis.pnn.police.uk.
*TruckPol data on file www.truckpol.com
