Suffolk Police warns HGV drivers after 20 theft incidents reported since turn of the year

Police have warned HGV drivers after it was revealed there have been 20 theft incidents involving the vehicles since the turn of the year.

Officers are urging drivers and haulage companies to stay vigilant in the wake of the thefts and attempted thefts; more than half have been in Ipswich while the majority were overnight, generally along the A14 corridor.

Police said those in HGVs should be vigilant when parking in unsecure locations, and report any suspicious activity immediately – this could be descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles, as well as registration numbers.

To tackle the issue, an advice leaflet for lorry drivers and companies has been produced by the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS).

PC Terry Harvey, of the Roads Policing, Unit said: “Having goods taken from an HGV is hugely disruptive and expensive for the haulage company concerned.

“Criminals realise the goods stolen can be of a high value, so they will look to exploit any weaknesses in vehicle security, especially overnight. We continue to engage with haulage companies as part of our role to educate and inform them of the potential of criminals to steal goods from lorries.”

PC Harvey asked drivers and companies to follow the force’s basic crime prevention advice, including:
- Installing CCTV
- Upgrading security
- Installing security lighting
- Educating workforces
- Considering vehicle positions when parking

The Suffolk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit can be contacted at cvu@suffolk.police.uk for further information or advice and can offer toolbox talks to drivers and hauliers regarding crime prevention.