Information on Loughborough

Truckers Beware!

Posted on 28/04/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Truckers Beware! TRUCKERS BEWARE!

TRUCKERS BEWARE!

Already this year, Leicestershire Constabulary has received reports of two attempted and 32 thefts from commercial goods vehicles, with an estimated value of nearly £80,000. 

To help raise awareness to remain vigilant and security conscious, the Force is using a 35-foot articulated lorry, emblazoned with crime prevention messages, to alert drivers to the dangers of theft from transport lorries.  Some of the warnings have also been translated in numerous languages for foreign drivers working in the UK.

From Monday 27th April, the lorry will be at the Bardon Hill lay-by and from Friday, 1st May, the lorry will be at Magna Park, Lutterworth.

Sergeant Simon Greensmith, from the Force's road policing unit, said: "Theft from heavy goods transporters, especially curtain-sided trailers, is a national problem and we are working closely with other agencies like TruckPol to try and address the problem locally. I'd like to thank Walker Movements and Asda Logistics in assisting us to highlight the problem of freight crime."

Theft from commercial goods vehicles, ranging from panel vans to large articulated trucks with trailers can spell ruin for a lot of companies who face disruption, loss of client faith and financial loss.

Inspector Chris Brown, Commander of North West Leicestershire local policing unit, said: "I hope this message will raise awareness among drivers about the dangers of parking in lay-bys overnight and encourage them to park in a secure compound such as the lorry park on the A512 just 4 miles away at Junction 23.

The impact is traumatic for the driver and goes much further than the immediate loss of having a truck, trailer and load stolen. There's also the added financial cost for a rescheduled delivery, increased insurance premiums and disruption to schedules affecting every aspect of a transport business."

Leicestershire Constabulary suggest the following advice for drivers to protect themselves and their goods from criminals:

  • Be alert to the threat. Plan your route in advance and avoid regular routes and stopping places. Organised criminals will observe drivers and vehicles for a period of time to build up information about routes, lorry movements and drivers prior to carrying out their crimes. Avoid discussing what you are carrying with other drivers and customers. Treat unsolicited offers of assistance from unknown persons with caution and treat signals from other drivers that something is amiss with your vehicle with extreme caution. Roof markings on HGVs can also help Police Air Support Units to identify vehicles if they are stolen.
  • Secure unattended trailers. A loaded trailer left in industrial estates overnight and at weekends is a tempting target for criminals who can drive away with it.
  • Do not leave keys in the ignition. Nearly half of stolen vehicles are stolen when keys are left in them. Always lock the vehicle and take the keys with you, even if you are only away for a short time. It takes seconds for a thief to drive your vehicle away and if keys are left in the ignition, your insurance may be invalidated.
  • Lock your cab and close windows. Never leave valuables on view in your cab, whether these are loose equipment or your personal belongings. Lock ALL your doors to stop thieves from simply climbing up into the cab from the passenger door. Lock all doors and windows while sleeping in the cab. If possible back the vehicle up against a wall or other secure barrier to prevent access to the rear doors, but remember the top and sides of the vehicle will remain vulnerable.
  • Protect your identity. Look after your documents and company issued clothing. Thieves use shipping orders, consignment notes and company paperwork along with high visibility clothing to impersonate you and collect loads. The most commonly stolen item is the drivers' personal kit, including telephones, wallets and other personal effects from unattended, unlocked cabs.
  • Making deliveries.  On arrival at your delivery destination, do not allow yourself to be persuaded to leave your vehicle in the charge of anyone else or to deliver to any other location unless certain that such action is legitimate.  Make sure that the person receiving the goods has the authority to do so. Be on your guard for bogus officials - always ask for identification.

TruckPol is a national intelligence unit which forms part of the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, collating and disseminating statistical data and intelligence on road freight crime within the UK, an ongoing problem which is estimated to cost the UK economy up to £250 million per year. The theft of large goods vehicles and their loads causes significant economic and logistical harm to manufacturers, operators and retailers alike.

Anyone with information about theft from good vehicles or the criminality associated with stolen property should contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.