A report by the UK’s National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has found Thurrock Services on the M25 to be the service station with the most recorded freight crime offences in 2020.
The annual report found that Thurrock Services was the scene of 76 recorded freight crime offences last year. Clacket Lane Services, also on the M25, was the second highest affected location. Together, the two motorway service stations accounted for 15% of freight crimes recorded at service stations in the UK last year.
According to the report, the most frequently stolen commodity at Thurrock Services during 2020 (excluding unknown items) was fuel (7%), followed by clothing and shoes (5%). Fuel was also the most frequently stolen commodity (excluding unknown) across offences at all motorway service stations during 2020 (20%), followed by Food & Drinks (13%).
The report says that the combined cost price value of goods stolen at motorway service areas during 2020 is over £16.3 million. The highest value of goods stolen was at Warwick Services on the M40 (£1.748 million), the majority of which relates to the theft of cosmetics on the 26th of November.
However, the 2020 figures from NavCIS also show that motorway service areas are subject to much less crime than independent road parking. Moreover, only 7% of thefts occurred at truck stops.
As NavCis explains, thefts from HGVs are a consequence of a more sophisticated network of organised crime groups and organised teams of thieves, who see cargo theft as low risk and high reward. NavCIS adds that a lack of provision of HGV parking nationally, particularly the lack of ‘secure’ Truck Parking, also provides increased opportunities for thieves to target vulnerable vehicles.
The organisation thus argues that improved awareness and understanding of cargo crime is required.
In order to minimise risk of becoming a victim of Cargo Diversion Fraud or Deception Theft, NaVCIS experts recommend:
- Having Clear Procedures for deliveries and collections, especially if the delivery location changes at short notice.
- Using thorough background checks on companies collecting goods, especially if using unfamiliar businesses / carriers or using Haulage Exchanges.
- Considering CCTV in the area where the delivery is being collected from, so that the collecting driver can be identified (if high value load consider obtaining photograph of driver).
- Obtaining written confirmation and complete due diligence if delivery location changes.
- Never transfer load into another vehicle away from the proposed / intended delivery location.
- If diverted to another delivery location, check with the Transport Operations manager to check that premises is linked or associated to the intended business.
The report can be accessed in full here.
Photo credit: Glyn Baker / Geograph UK