Organised crime gangs are becoming more systematic and sophisticated in the way they target trucks carrying high-value cargo items containing cigarettes and alcohol, industry leaders have said, adding that rampant crime and security flaws are putting HGV drivers at risk.
According to a report in The Times, cigarettes, criminal networks are targeting “specific trucks” carrying heavy loads of cigarettes and alcohol as well as researching the spots where they are likely to stop. HGV drivers for Sainsbury’s have been targeted “up to eight” times a day after leaving distribution centres in Basingstoke in Hampshire, Waltham Point in Essex and Dartford in Kent.
Union representatives have warned that security flaws are putting drivers at risk. They have called on third-party operators to review safety procedures and introduce improved locks and trailer dividers to thwart opportunist thieves.
“It’s a big issue. There’s an awful lot of organised criminality and gangs are targeting specific trucks. They get to know the routes and what they might be carrying; where they may be stopping,” a source said, adding that "it has become a lot worse recently and [the robberies] are going up to eight a day".
Criminals use a range of methods to execute robberies during “final-mile deliveries”, when HGVs leave distribution centres for shops. Organised crime gangs monitor depots to establish a truck’s route, the report stated citing a source, after which associates are informed before following the vehicle.
Attackers usually strike when the HGV slows down in traffic, a driver stops for a break, or leaves their vehicle to notify management of their arrival at a destination.
"Side curtains on the trailer are slashed and bolt croppers are used to break locks. The gangs are looking for tobacco and other products that are easily shifted on the black market," states the report.
There were more than 5,370 reports of HGV and cargo crime in the UK last year. Freight crime costs the UK economy an estimated £250 million each year, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA). It results in £68 million worth of losses from thefts alone — but industry experts believe the true figure could be up to seven times higher.
Wincanton, the logistics firm responsible for Sainsbury’s transport services, is facing calls from Unite, the trade union, to review its members’ safety.
Phil Silkstone, regional officer for Unite, said, “Our members are not happy with the provisions in place. Sainsbury’s and Wincanton need to do far more to ensure the safety of drivers and Unite is actively ensuring that adequate systems are in place to ensure that the safety of drivers is paramount.”
Simon Hannah
