Campaign to combat heavy goods vehicle crime

West Yorkshire Police have launched a new campaign to manage heavy goods vehicle crime on the run up to Christmas.

Source: Annie Martin | All Rights Reserved

Rates of heavy goods vehicle crime increase during the Christmas period so West Yorkshire Police have taken initiative to prepare as early as possible. Gangs often target vehicles by slashing curtain sides while drivers are parked up having a rest.

Source: Annie Martin | All Rights Reserved

They are doing this by running a number of driving engagement evenings and giving a heightened police presence in HGV parking spaces. They launched the campaign at Xscape Castleford holding a public engagement event.

The National Supply Chain Strategy on freight crime work closely with the police to enforce and protect the supply chains in the UK.

Source: Annie Martin | All Rights Reserved

A lorry driver Matthew Clarke said “when you’re on a break it’s hard to rest knowing someone might break in.” He also added “I try to stop at services but that isn’t always possible.”

Source: Annie Martin | All Rights Reserved

In August, an operation in Leeds led to six arrests from a criminal organisation that stole from heavy goods cargo around the UK. Last year, heavy goods theft led to a loss of around £65 million nationally with around nine reported cases every day.