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Vehicle crime – developing trends


It is estimated by insurers that the total annual loss in the UK caused by freight thefts from lorries amounts to approximately £700 million


Vehicle crime, and particularly that undertaken by organised crime groups (OCGs), is an increasing problem and one of the reasons that BIFA agreed to part-sponsor the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS). In many ways, the most depressing thing about


vehicle crime is that the location of the theft and methods are repetitive. Working on the premise that prevention is better than cure NAVCIS has partnered with Antevorte Ltd to provide online driver training aimed at reducing such crime. To give the reader an idea of the level of such


crime, in 2020 there were approximately 4,500 thefts in the UK from HGVs parked overnight or on the move. Based on the cost price of the goods stolen, the average loss per incident was £50,000, although there were two incidents concerning excise goods where the loss was over £900,000 per vehicle. It should be noted that these were only the incidents reported to NAVCIS – the actual figure could be much higher. Unfortunately, drivers are placed in danger due to these crimes; often more than four or five


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criminals using more than one vehicle will be involved in a theft from an HGV. Frequently violence is threatened against the driver and, in some cases, this becomes a reality. The message is very clear – no load is safe and


targets are not chosen at random. In fact, the most surprising items are chosen to be stolen; a single load of washing powder may be worth only £20,000, but it will find a ready market and is easy and quick to dispose of. Many items find their way onto online platforms such as eBay for sale.


Greatest vulnerability The OCGs know that loads are at their most vulnerable when they are being transported and especially vulnerable when the vehicle is parked, particularly if it is an overnight stop. All hauliers, regardless of their size and the type of vehicle used, are potential targets but curtain-sided vehicles seem to be particularly vulnerable. It should be remembered that whilst some


insure their goods, many do not. However, in all cases the disruption and associated costs go far


beyond the physical loss. It is estimated by insurers that the total annual loss in the UK caused by freight thefts from lorries amounts to approximately £700 million. As we have seen, the majority of freight crime


occurs during transit, meaning that the driver does have a role in taking sensible precautions. The author of this article can remember the resistance of some drivers to locking their cabs, etc, when aviation security regulations were first introduced. Consideration should be given to how, when


and where the vehicle is parked to reduce the risk of theft. One point that must be emphasised is that drivers should never put the safety of the load before his or her own priority.


Top tips NAVCIS has three top tips to avoid hijacking, which are: • Always ensure that the driver’s phone is fully charged, and available, and that they are always aware of their exact location.


• Always park overnight in a secure parking area. • If stopped by an ‘official’, keep doors locked and engine running until satisfied that the ‘official’ is genuine. If unhappy then call the Police and drive to the nearest Police station or services.


Antevorte Ltd provided the information on which this is based. If you are interested in additional information and to see how the company may be able to assist, please contact Andrew Vaughn at Andrew.Vaughn@antevortegroup.com


April 2021


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