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Policy & Compliance


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An update on UK cargo theft in Q2 2018


The value of cargo theft from lorries continued to grow in Q2 of this year, with some clear patterns emerging


There is a growing focus on cargo-related crime and, in particular, its reporting and the examination of its trends. At the risk of making ourselves unpopular, the


sector could do more to prevent some of the problems by adopting simple procedures to deter, if not prevent, criminal activity. A recent survey by Border Force at Dover


indicated that approximately 30% of all trailers were not locked. Through the activities of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), which collects and disseminates vehicle-related crime data nationally, a clearer picture is emerging.


International trade The UK economy is unusually dependent on international trade, particularly with the EU, which accounts for approximately 40% of our trade. In certain sectors this volume of trade is much higher; for instance at a recent meeting attended by BIFA, it would appear that 85% of all NHS supplies came from the EU. During Q2 2018, approximately £14 million of


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goods were stolen (equating to an average loss of £39,273 per incident), up from £13 million the previous quarter. Figures indicate that reported cargo theft amounted to £54 million in 2017, although given the amount of unreported crime the level of crime is probably much higher.


Reported incidents In the period under review, there were 386 incidents reported, a drop from the 454 incidents recorded in the previous quarter. Analysis of the results indicates that 84% of all incidents involved pilferage, full load thefts and warehouse thefts, 7% of all incidents involved the theft of a truck and trailers, and 9% involved the theft of fuel. Regarding geographical trends, most cargo


theft incidents occurred in areas served by the central and northern Motorway system. The top highways for theft were M1, 36%; M62, 13%; A1, 7%; A421, 6%; and the rest, 38%. By county, 20% of all thefts occurred in Leicestershire, 15% in Northamptonshire, 10% in Nottinghamshire and 9% in both West Yorkshire and Kent. Soft-sided trailers represent a particularly


attractive target. In fact 65% of all cargo thefts involved thieves cutting through the curtains using the slash and grab technique; the second highest method of gaining entry was either simply opening unsecured trailers or cutting the lock. From reading the evidence, many drivers fail to


check their vehicles after a stop, which causes delays in identifying when a crime occurred. Simple driver training could help remedy this issue. Also, adopting relatively simple and inexpensive security techniques, such as using better locks and slash resistant tarpaulins and curtains, could have a significant deterrent effect. Additionally, it has been noted in several


incidents that the poor quality of information provided on collection orders and delivery notes made it easier to deceive drivers, particularly with regard to the ‘around the corner’ crime. By commodity, alcohol and tobacco were the


most frequently stolen commodities accounting for 12% of all cargo thefts; food and beverages accounted for 11% and consumer goods 10% of all goods stolen. The last interesting statistic was that 44% of all cargo thefts occurred on a Tuesday or Wednesday.


Pattern of thefts Cargo theft has been around for as long as cargo has been shipped, and in general terms the pattern of theft remains the same as ever – high value items with a ready demand that can be easily sold on. The industry has to consider what more can be done to prevent vehicle-related thefts because there will be a point in time when arranging insurance cover may become much more difficult.


November 2018


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