Government pledges to tackle freight crime ‘epidemic’

During a debate among backbench MPs this week, security minister Dan Jarvis said a network of vehicle crime specialists had been set up involving all police forces that would share information about emerging trends in vehicle crime so that the problem could be tackled on a regional basis.

Warwickshire MP Rachel Taylor said the police did not have adequate resources to tackle freight crime and they lacked a national strategy to deal with the issue.

“We are talking about organised criminal gangs operating out of West Yorkshire and Coventry, whose operation spans several counties, yet the police lack a strategy to combat the crime,” she told MPs

“Furthermore, [the industry-funded specialist unit] NaVCIS is under-supported and underfunded.

“It has a clear mission to bring industry and policing together to disrupt criminals and reduce crime, but it does not receive any funds from central government or the police service for any of its areas of business.”

Taylor highlighted an RHA report that highlighted 5,370 incidents of HGV and cargo crime in 2023 and £68.3m-worth of goods that were stolen.

She also referred to the report’s findings that Corley services had experienced 76 offences of freight crime, Stafford with 138, Thurrock with 103 and Warwick with 87 offences.

“It is clear to me, as it should be to all members present, that that means criminals have organised effectively to target certain service stations repeatedly,” Taylor added.

Jarvis acknowledged that freight crime had risen over the last few years and the government was working with the police and partners to mount an effective response.

He added: “The government are determined that all lorry drivers should have access to high-quality, safe and secure facilities right across the country, which is why we have invested in improved lorry parks and safer rest areas.

“Freight crime is a serious threat and must be dealt with as such. This government are committed to tackling criminality of any kind, which is why we have made it our mission to deliver safer streets for all and restore neighbourhood policing.

“Reducing freight crime is integral to that mission.”

Ashton Cull, RHA senior public affairs manager, said: “Freight crime is a growing problem in our industry which is putting lorry drivers at increased risk and destroying businesses.

“Organised crime gangs see trucks as lucrative and easy targets so it’s vital that industry and parliament continues to work together on tackling the issue.

“We need more safe and secure parking for lorry drivers which would help deter gangs from targeting them for their loads and fuel.

“We’re also calling for new planning reforms to consider the needs of hauliers, and for police to have the resources they need to tackle criminal gangs.”