The hidden costs of cargo crime

The RHA’s campaign for improved driver facilities is of critical importance to the UK road freight industry. But it’s not just about providing a nice, clean shower and somewhere to get a hot meal while taking a break, it’s about safety and security; both for the driver the load, says RHA's Richard Smith

We’re now well into the new millennium yet far too many of our HGV drivers, the ones who make the movement of goods happen, still have no alternative but to park at the side of the road, often in dark lay-bys and on unpatrolled industrial estates. That’s why the findings in the latest NaVCIS report on HGV, freight and cargo crime are, quite frankly, shocking.

Here are just a few points from the report:

The estimated cost to the economy of freight crime in 2021 amounted to approximately £428 million.
Most freight crime is committed by organised crime groups, prepared to travel hundreds of miles to do a ‘job’.
These are highly skilled, determined criminals who fully aware of police tactics. They understand police surveillance and there is a sophisticated network of storage and handlers of stolen goods that will deal with large volumes of stolen freight.
In many cases, it’s a low-risk, high-reward crime from which organised crime benefits tens of millions of pounds.
Freight and cargo crime can affect the viability of companies, retention of staff and loss of contracts

What I find particularly disturbing is that despite freight crime being a long-established problem, there is no central crime category or tag for the offence. This, in turn, has allowed it to remain hidden.

The thefts within our industry are usually categorised as ‘thefts from a motor vehicle’, ‘criminal damage’ and occasionally ‘vehicle interference’; however, to be effective in recognising the issue we need a definition that police and industry can follow.

To put this into perspective, £1 million cargo stolen from a trailer is in the same crime category as a handbag stolen from a car seat at the shops! If it’s an alcohol theft, the victim may still have to pay the duty to HMRC which can be substantial - often significantly more than the value of the stolen alcohol itself.

NaVCIS also has anecdotal links between a cargo of prescription drugs stolen and an increase in local drug deaths in the Carlisle area.

Truck crime is a massive issue for the industry, not only putting livelihoods at risk but lives too. The sooner the Home Office categorises the crime, the sooner the issue can be addressed more effectively and quickly, and the criminals will have to do the time.

For more information about RHA’s Facilities campaign, please click here

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Supply Chain