Lorry Heists: UK truckers fear for safety

Lorry drivers in Britain, essential for the country's logistics, are facing escalating threats from organized criminal gangs. These groups are employing increasingly sinister tactics, with some reports even suggesting drivers are being gassed, leading to significant safety concerns within the industry. The overall economic impact of freight crime is substantial, with estimates suggesting it has cost the UK economy over £1 billion since 2020.

Incidents range from curtain-slashing to more elaborate heists, often involving "inside men" from warehouses. High-value goods like electronics, alcohol, and cigarettes are frequently stolen and sold on the black market. This surge in crime not only impacts the haulage industry through increased insurance premiums and security costs but also contributes to rising prices for consumers at the checkout.

Many drivers are forced to use insecure lay-bys and industrial estates for rest due to a lack of adequate, secure facilities. This vulnerability is a key factor exploited by thieves. Efforts are underway to improve tracking of freight crime, including a trial of tagging offences in the West Midlands, to better understand and combat the issue.