Haulage firms are being cautioned to stay vigilant as freight thefts double in the lead-up to Christmas. The surge in thefts, likely influenced by inflation and the cost of living crisis, has prompted warnings against acquiring goods that have illicitly ‘fallen off the back of a lorry,’ as it perpetuates freight crime.
Efforts are underway through Operation Yard, a collaborative initiative with partner forces, to deter criminal gangs targeting delivery lorries. Increased police presence in hotspot areas during evenings and providing security advice to lorry drivers are key components of this operation.
Detective Constable Dan Griffiths from the West Mercia Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) emphasizes that high-value acquisitive crimes affect various supply chain products, impacting everyone. Large carriers face reputational damage, customer loss, rising insurance premiums, and depleted supermarket shelves, ultimately passing on additional costs to consumers.
Vigilance against ‘freight crime’ is urged, with the public encouraged to report suspicions through the online portal ‘Report a crime | West Mercia Police.’ The police further advise against purchasing presents or goods on the black market, especially as cargo thefts peak during this festive season.
West Mercia Police reports a doubling of thefts targeting hauliers this year, encompassing items like toys, food, white goods, and perfumes. With 140 such crimes in the West Mercia force area, a notable increase from last year’s 83, the impact on hauliers is substantial. Recent incidents, such as the theft of a £50,000 trailer of cheeses from Strensham services and household goods from the Hartlebury Trading estate, contribute to an estimated loss value of £1.35 million in cargo from service stations over the past few years.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Farmer notes that these thefts are often linked to an organized crime gang in West Yorkshire, operating for decades, as well as ones in the West Midlands and Merseyside. These groups perceive cargo theft as a ‘low-risk high reward’ enterprise, posing an ongoing challenge for law enforcement.
