Lorry crime doubles in 12 months

The number of reported lorry crimes has almost doubled over the last year, according to new figures published by the freight intelligence unit Truckpol.

 

The government-backed body found that in 2007 there were 2,284 incidents, but by mid-December 2008 this year there had been 4,171. According to Truckpol, this year the theft of and from lorries has cost the economy almost £100m. TruckPol said organised crime was targeting the freight industry and that several police forces are now making it a priority to reduce lorry crime.

 

Recorded incidents have risen steadily since the beginning of the year; however police said it is not clear how much of that may be due to the struggling economy, with its associated increased market for cheap, stolen goods, or to better reporting of thefts.

 

Major success

 

A major success in tackling this type of crime came in November, when 11 lorry thieves from Merseyside were convicted of stealing thousands of pounds worth of goods from vehicles across north-west England.

 

Truckpol said the work to convict the men, who had been targeting HGVs and goods distribution centres, went on for almost two years and involved officers from three forces across the region.

 

To see what you can do to reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim of lorry crime click here to visit Truckpol’s website.

If you do not already arrange your haulage insurance through Castle Grove, why not contact us to see how we can help you arrange the right cover to protect you and your business in the event of lorry crime.