A Q&A WITH DUTCH POLICE


‘Transport crime, including cargo theft, gets a fair level of attention. It is one of the six security themes of the National police unit. All services within the National unit are contributing to this.’


It is clearly understood that police forces everywhere have far greater priorities these days, notably counter-terror policing. How big a priority is the issue of cargo crime for law enforcement agencies now?


Fortunately cargo crime has a low threat level compared to other subjects like terrorism. This is emphasised in a recently-published National threat level. Despite this, transport crime, including cargo theft, gets a fair level of attention. It is one of the six security themes of the National police unit. All services within the National unit are contributing to this. A programme manager has been appointed; a separate information team is working on the theme; and enforcement and investigation resources from the “Infra” department are available. The National unit is not acting on its own. It takes the lead in cooperation with the regional units.


What advice can you give to manufacturers and logistics companies that are moving goods in and through the Netherlands to keep their staff and products secure?


Make use of the initiatives, tips and tools developed by TLN, TAPA, and the Insurers Association. When you see something suspicious, always call 112 and make pictures or videos of the situation.


In your opinion, are companies doing enough to protect themselves against cargo crime?


There are a number of companies that are doing a lot to protect themselves against cargo crime. They adjust the level of security against the risk level of the load and the route. Unfortunately, there are also a number of companies that don’t implement these measures. The majority of the cargo crime incidents still involve criminals cutting tarpaulins on non-secure parking sites. The companies targeted are sometimes not sufficiently aware of the risks. We often see the MKB companies (middle and smaller size) go bankrupt as a result of a theft because


customers stay away or because the limitation of their insurance is exceeded when there is, for example, collusion of employees.


Screening of employees is next to the deployment of equipment and route planning. It is also of the utmost importance. Not only the “declaration of behaviour” but also the Warning Register Logistic Sector (www.stichtingwls.nl). Everyone should consult and use this to prevent theft. I am also happy with the website www.preventieinzicht.nl. This is a digital tool where companies and drivers test their knowledge on preventing cargo crime.


I still only find a low number of companies which are aware of these initiatives and use them. That is a shame because these initiatives will only work when they are used.


What has been the response so far to the launch of the hotline and how will you measure its success?


We have received many positive reactions. For us the hotline will be seen as successful when more companies begin filing reports and are satisfied with the way they are addressed and informed on the next steps. If we are successful, we will learn from the feedback we receive from the industry and partners like TAPA.


We are also keen to hear any suggestions to improve the concept. Are you satisfied? If so, spread the message. If not, please tell us!


Marcel Saarloos, TAPA EMEA BoD and IIS Lead, commented:


‘As everyone knows, TAPA’


s Incident


Information Service (IIS) relies heavily on input from our members and maybe even more so from our partners.


‘The police resources are low. If police know where the hotspots are they can deploy their resources much more effectively.’


088-0087444 THE NETHERLANDS’ 24HR CARGO THEFT REPORTING HOTLINE


‘The Dutch National Police have proven to be a great partner from the beginning in terms of their willingness to share their data. Working with the Dutch police is truly a win-win situation as they allow us to use their data and, by the same token, we provide them access to our data. One of the great things about our partnership is that we align our efforts, work together and help each other wherever possible. This is a perfect example of public and private cooperation.


‘We applaud this latest initiative by the Dutch police to introduce a Cargo Theft Reporting Hotline. It demonstrates their proactive approach to combating cargo crime and we hope other national police forces in Europe will consider following this example. We also urge TAPA members that are victims of cargo thefts in the Netherlands to report these crimes using the police hotline as well as to our IIS team.


’


‘A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP’


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