Battle against freight crime continues - DC Alan Soames
Despite the economic climate and a predicted rise in crime there was an 18.9% decrease in offences in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. While this is good news, we mustn’t let down our guard.
Due to intelligence operations, resulting in the disruption of offenders and the conviction of stolen goods handlers, there is generally a downward trend in the rate of offences. Obviously for TruckPol and the freight industry as a whole this is extremely positive, however, in the run up to Christmas an annual spike was forecast.
We are continuing to partner with initiatives and organisations to tackle the problem and reduce crime rates even further. Recently we have teamed-up with NS-FRITS (North Sea Freight Intelligent Transport Solutions) to help make working life safer and easier for freight drivers across the North Sea region.
The project’s three-year programme highlights the importance of intelligence and aims to ensure that workers are aware of high-risk areas as well as promoting the use of secure truck stops to allow workers to plan their routes safely and effectively. It also aims to provide drivers with information that will allow them to make their journeys faster, safer and less disruptive to local traffic by avoiding high crime areas, congestion and inappropriate routes.
We are also working with the Freight Transport Association and TruckersWorld.co.uk on the implementation of an alert system to notify drivers of truck and load theft. This free service sends text alerts when a lorry has been stolen, providing information on the vehicle’s registration, livery colour and any distinguishing marks, in order for other drivers to keep a look out while on the road. With hundreds of freight drivers on guard, it will be much harder for criminals to move around the country and transport goods without being seen, and will increase the frequency and speed of information being fed to the police.
We have also made a change to our website in order to be more proactive in response to suspicious incidents. If you or a colleague have noticed anything unusual, you can fill in a form at www.truckpol.com/contact. By providing us with as much information as you are able to give, we can begin making enquiries and investigate further if any suspicious behaviour is detected.
Protecting drivers and their loads is, of course, our utmost priority at TruckPol. By continuing with our initiatives and keeping the pressure on the criminals, crime can only go down. Please do get in contact if you have any concerns.
DC Alan Soames is TruckPol’s Intelligence Officer.
For further information, contact TruckPol on Tel; 024 7651 6246, E-mail: truckpol@avcis.pnn.police.uk or visit: http://www.truckpol.com/
Published: 15/01/2010
