HGV drivers believe freight-related crime is increasing with the majority of fuel or asset thefts taking place in the second half of the year, according to new research.

The results came as the RHA warned that the industry needed 11,000 more secure parking spaces to deter organised crime gangs and give operators peace of mind when their drivers are parked overnight.

A survey of 500 professional drivers by Samsara, a specialist in IoT industrial technology, found a third were of the opinion thefts were on the rise, with most incidents occurring between July and December.

Around half (47%) said they knew of other drivers who had been victims of fuel or asset thefts and 32% said truck stops in the UK were not secure enough.

The RHA agreed that freight crime was growing and that it was making it more difficult for hauliers to recruit and retain staff.

It has called for tougher sentencing of criminals that target HGVs and the creation of a specific freight crime offence to reflect the wider harm is causes.

“Presently freight crime is categorised as theft from a motor vehicle - the same as having a pair of sunglasses stolen from the car glove box - with a maximum sentence of seven years,” said an RHA spokesman.

“Freight crime is low risk, high reward for highly organised criminals and it’s happening every night on our roads and in truck stops across the UK.

“Last year there were over 5,300 incidents of freight crime and £68 million worth of goods stolen – with the retail value being much higher. The average loss per reported incident was £13,252.

“Freight crime is not a victimless crime and we want the government to take urgent actions to address this issue.”

The spokesman added: “In addition to tougher sentencing and a specific freight crime offence, we continue to call for planning rules to be reformed to accommodate more safe and secure parking and facilities.”

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