Data from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) shows that while the number of recorded offences fell from 5,370 in 2023 to 4,879 in 2024, the financial impact of thefts has risen significantly. Since 2020, losses from freight crime have exceeded £1 billion.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned that criminals are increasingly targeting lorries parked in isolated locations such as laybys and industrial estates, where security is often limited. RHA Managing Director Richard Smith said:
“These figures highlight the fact that freight crime is becoming more serious, more organised, and more intelligence-led. Criminals have always known what goods are moving, when they’re moving, and where they’re most at risk – and now it’s even higher reward for them.”
According to Smith, the true scale of the problem remains unclear due to gaps in official reporting.
“We’re on the back foot because these figures still only represent estimates as we rely on voluntary reports by police forces. We’ll only know the true scale of the issue when we get the specific Freight Crime reporting code that the RHA has long been campaigning for.”
Incidents down, value stolen up
The NaVCIS data indicates that the total number of thefts has not increased dramatically over recent years. In 2020, 4,468 freight crimes were recorded, rising to 5,103 in 2022, before dropping slightly in 2024. However, the value of stolen goods has fluctuated significantly:
- 2020: £95.7 million
- 2021: £73.2 million
- 2022: £69.6 million
- 2023: £68.3 million
- 2024: £111.5 million
Despite fewer recorded thefts, the average value per incident has risen sharply, suggesting criminals are targeting higher-value loads.
Parliament is set to consider the issue further next week. Rachel Taylor MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freight and Logistics, will introduce a Ten Minute Rule Motion calling for a dedicated crime code for freight offences.
“The fact that fewer thefts are occurring at truckstops suggests that industry and government investment to date is working. However, there’s a long way to go, and these figures underline the urgent need for more to be done to ensure our drivers and businesses are properly protected,” Taylor said.
- The APPG for Freight and Logistics has recommended several measures to tackle freight crime, including:
- Expanding secure parking facilities to address the national shortage of 11,000 HGV spaces.
- Better coordination between law enforcement and industry to combat organised thefts.
- A national awareness campaign to deter criminals and increase driver vigilance.