London, UK: Freight crime offences in 2023 were responsible for the direct loss of £68.3m in stolen goods, according to a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Freight and Logistics.
The report, called “Securing Our Supply Chains: How the Government can crack down on freight crime” also revealed that last year there were 5,370 reported incidents of HGV and cargo crime in the UK (with actual figures likely much higher). This was a 5% increase on the previous year.
The report – written in collaboration with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS)) – sheds new light on the rise of freight crime and the serious impact it is having across the country.
RHA managing director Richard Smith said: “It’s clear there needs to be a national approach to tackling freight crime. We will continue to call on Government to improve roadside facilities for drivers and take necessary action to tackle this issue.”
Chair of the APPG, Rachel Taylor, said: “The freight and logistics sector underpins our entire economy, yet the industry and its hardworking staff are being increasingly targeted by sophisticated and organised criminal gangs.
“It’s vital we respond to that threat, so I’m pleased to be launching this report today with the APPG for Freight and Logistics, setting out the action we believe the government should take to crack down on these dangerous criminals and safeguard this crucial industry.”
The APPG’s current recommendations to the government are:
- Endorse and support secure parking standards: Drivers today cannot be assured of their own safety or that of their vehicle, even when in designated parking. Coordinated standards must be used to create an environment where drivers can pull into any truck stop with the confidence they deserve
- Ensure planned reform to the National Planning Policy Framework considers the needs of hauliers: Reforms to the planning system must reflect the critical nature of supply chain security
- Launch a national parking programme: There is a national shortage of lorry parking which forces many drivers to park overnight at unlit, unpopulated and vulnerable roadside facilities. Central government needs to work closely with local authorities to increase the provision of much-needed parking facilities
- Increase support and resources for law enforcement: Our police forces do not currently have the tools and support to stem the rise of freight crime. Whilst other measures will help, there is no short cut that can replace better enforcement.
- Launch a national freight crime awareness campaign: This will act as a visual deterrence to criminals who see freight as an easy target.
