MPs have launched a new report today (19 November) which highlights the rising threat of freight crime and calls for government action to roll out secure lorry parks across the UK’s road network.
The report from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for freight and logistics, entitled Securing Our Supply Chains, was written in collaboration with RHA and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS).
It sheds new light on the rise of freight crime and the serious impact it is having across the country, and recommends key actions for the government to take to tackle the problem.
The report reveals 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. Freight crime offences in 2023 were responsible for the direct loss of £68.3m in stolen goods.
This figure only represents the wholesale value of these goods, with NaVCIS estimating the true value being between £680m - £700m.
Since 2020, the direct cost of freight crime has been £306.8m, with the true value of losses likely being over £1bn.
The APPG report also highlights that the police are currently under resourced to deal with freight crime and as a result of a lack of enforcement action, this is leading to an underreporting of incidents.
It calls for action that considers the needs of hauliers who are vital to the UK economy and supply chain. The APPG is calling for reform to the National Planning Policy Framework, the launch a national parking programme which tackles the chronic shortage of parking spaces and actions that facilitate an increase in support for law enforcement.
Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said: “Freight crime is low risk, high reward for highly organised criminals and it’s happening daily across our nation.
“It’s destroying businesses, impacting the health, safety and wellbeing of drivers and making it difficult for businesses to recruit and retain staff.
“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.”
Commenting, Rachel Taylor MP 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 recommendations 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.
Speakers at today’s event in Parliament included the Chair of the APPG Rachel Taylor MP, Ashton Cull, RHA policy manager and freight crime lead, Sharon Naughton and Michael Dawber from NaVCIS and Ben Clark, Chief Superintendent LCU Commander of Thames Valley Police.
Organisations that attended today’s event included the British Parking Association; the DfT; Direct Connect Logistics; the Home Office; Logistics UK; Maersk; Multimodal Logistics; National Highways; NaVCIS; NMU; Pagefield Communications; RHA and Thames Valley Police.
