Is freight theft taken seriously enough? The Road Haulage Association (RHA) are calling for safer lorry parking – and a stronger legal deterrent on freight crime. Here’s what hauliers need to know.
How Much of a Problem is Freight Crime in the UK?
There were 5,300 freight crime incidents last year, according to the RHA, so if you’re a UK driver you may well have been affected. If you haven’t, it’s probably crossed your mind at one point or another as you look for a secure place to stop for the night.
So, what are the consequences if a criminal is caught in the act? At the moment, there’s not much distinction between freight crime and an opportunistic crime, where criminals steal from a vehicle on the spur of the moment.
But as the RHA point out, freight theft is usually linked to organised crime. With this in mind, could making freight crime a separate criminal offence make a bigger impact? That’s one suggestion the RHA representatives have been taking to the media to raise awareness. They’re also looking for harsher sentences to make the message clear.
What’s the Total Cost of Freight Crime?
Freight crime came at a cost of £460,000 across the country in 2023 alone. Stolen goods interrupt the supply chain, which causes extra expense and inconvenience for everyone from the supplier to customer and the end consumer.
But the financial aspect isn’t the only concern – it can have a serious effect on freight drivers. Mental health is already a challenge in the transport industry, and being targeted by a criminal gang can make a lasting impact.
Can HGV Drivers Do Anything to Avoid Theft?
The work’s just beginning for the RHA’s campaign for stronger action on freight crime, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself. For instance, HGV drivers can follow safety tips like parking in a secure place, not sharing any information on your route or load with anyone who doesn’t need to know, and locking the doors and windows while you’re resting.
But there’s only so much you can control, and safer parking sites could make all the difference. Luckily, there could be some improvements in the works.
Safer Parking Upgrades for HGV Drivers
There’s been more attention on the hot topic of safe parking for hauliers over the past couple of years. In 2022, the National Lorry Parking Survey showed up the shortage of safe overnight parking locations for drivers. So, has secure parking improved at all since then?
Things moved on again in March 2024, when the Department for Transport (DfT) and the industry set out to invest £16.5 million towards upgrading the facilities on offer. Measures they’ve got planned to improve parking facilities for lorry drivers include:
- Creating over 400 new parking spaces for lorries
- Upgrading the lighting in rest areas
- Installing secure fences for additional protection
- Electric HGV charging points
- Convenient features like restaurants and shower facilities
As you’ll notice, some of these features are geared towards wellness as well as safety. As a lorry driver, you’ve got to take care of yourself as well as your work schedule. Stress can affect your health, and some mental and physical conditions have to be discussed during your driver medical if you’re in charge of an HGV. Contact My Driver Medical in Birmingham to arrange a driver medical, and you’ll always speak directly to a qualified, fully licensed GP.