Freight drivers are being urged to be extra vigilant as Christmas deliveries reach their peak. TruckPol, the UK's freight crime intelligence unit, has warned that HGV drivers are a prime target for organised crime groups that prey on vulnerable lone workers, often when parked in unsecure parking areas around the UK.
Road freight crime costs the UK economy up to £250 million each year, with the average loss of each crime costing over £22,500 (TruckPol data). Historically the number of offences increases during the Christmas period as more goods are transferred on our roads. There are over 195,000 transport and logistics companies in the UK (Careers in Logistics). As the economic forecast for growth remains gloomy and fuel prices look set to rise again, it is more important than ever that UK transport companies protect their goods and vehicles, whilst keeping drivers safe.
An innovative project led by a group of public and private organisations, including TruckPol, People United Against Crime and Volvo, is hoping to reverse this trend with the launch of a new mobile phone ‘app' which has been trialled by drivers and transport managers in the build up to the festive period in the UK, Netherlands and Sweden. North Sea Freight Intelligent Transport Solutions (NS FRITS) supplies key security information to HGV drivers and transport managers, keeping drivers and their loads safe.
The data includes; secure parking locations, crime hotspots, foreign laws, HGV route planning poor weather conditions and traffic alerts. It is available in real-time and in a variety of languages. The ‘app' can be accessed via a drivers' android phone, tablet or a desktop application and is also being piloted through a TV screen at Ulceby truckstop, Immingham, UK. It is hoped that the system will gain private sector support and will be rolled out throughout the road freight industry within the North Sea Region and beyond, supporting industry and economic growth.
Organised criminals are often behind the thefts. They will target vulnerable vehicles parked in isolated, unlit, lay-bys, whilst travelling along major arterial routes and tend to operate opportunistically, rather than being driven by load specific robbery. Clothes, household and electrical goods are most frequently targeted by criminals.
HGV drivers are often at risk, as criminals target festive loads. One such example occurred last December. A HGV driver was pulled over in the early hours on the A435, near the south Birmingham section of the M42. He was waved down by two males in high visibility jackets. Once the driver was out of the vehicle he was threatened and then restrained using plastic cuffs, whilst the criminals stole his load of food goods. (source: TruckPol).
David Ransom, Chief Executive of People United Against Crime and lead partner on the NS FRITS project is urging drivers to be extra safe when working over the festive period. "As we enter the festive period we would ask drivers to be on the guard more than ever. Chose safe parking areas and always lock your vehicle." David continued; "We are now in the evaluation phase of the project and we hope that NS FRITS will be able to protect drivers and their loads during the festive period and way beyond."
TruckPol issues the following guidelines for drivers:
- Plan your route in advance: avoid regular routes and stopping places, which could be under the observation of organised crime groups
- Do not discuss your goods: avoid conversing with others about your load and where it is destined
- Do not leave keys in the ignition: nearly half of stolen vehicles are taken when the keys have been left in them
- Lock before you leave: always lock your cab, even if you will only be away for a few minutes. Your personal effects are a target for thieves
- Protect your identity: keep documents and company clothing hidden. If stolen, thieves could impersonate you and collect your loads
- Use Park Mark: The Park Mark Safer Parking Scheme ensures the parking area has been assessed by police and processes are in place to make the location safer for drivers
