Truckpol - Detective Constable Alan Soames

How to protect your depot

Despite continued efforts by TruckPol and police forces across the UK, freight crime continues to be an issue, damaging the country’s economy and putting the safety of workers at risk.  In the latter half of 2009, TruckPol received a number of reports of thefts from within distribution yards, highlighting this as an area that needs to be reviewed and addressed by those within the industry.

In November 2009, a case was reported where the complete front bumpers, including headlights, had been stolen from a number of refuse lorries.  Evidently, this was a massive task for criminals to undertake and would have happened over the course of a weekend, with unauthorised persons repeatedly accessing the site.

Elsewhere, in the Merseyside area, 70 truck batteries were reported stolen from depots, while TruckPol also received reports that the side sections of drop-sided trucks are being stolen, possibly for their scrap metal value.  Also on the list of ‘desirables’ are wheels and tyres.

With the value of scrap metal still high, distribution yards are a prime target for criminals wishing to cash in.  Although these items may seem like easy pickings, thefts on this scale require significant organisation as well as research and observation to ensure a suitable depot with little security is targeted.

So, how safe is your depot?  A lack of visible security is often very encouraging for criminals, and many things can be done to reduce the chances of your yard being targeted, such as fencing, motion sensor lights and security cameras.

In order to make the most of the different methods and systems available, haulage firms should visit the crime prevention section on the TruckPol website (www.truckpol.com) or get in touch with their local crime prevention officer, who will be able to provide advice on the most effective way to make their site more secure.

At TruckPol, we feel communication between hauliers and the police is the most important weapon in the reduction of freight crime.  If hauliers become a victim of theft, they must report the incident to the police, however small, to assist on-going investigations and intelligence.

In addition, TruckPol has launched a form on its website enabling those within the industry to report suspicious activity (http://www.truckpol.com/contact.htm).

Anyone that has noticed unusual behaviour or occurrences, for example repeatedly seeing a vehicle outside or around the premises, should report this, providing as much information as possible, such as vehicle colour, make and model and the number plate if available.  TruckPol uses this information to help police colleagues around the country detect and disrupt offenders who are targeting your businesses.

DC Alan Soames is TruckPol’s Intelligence Officer. For further information, visit: www.truckpol.com

Published: 10/02/2010