Don’t let virtual crime rings run rings round you

FREIGHT CRIME costs the UK economy some £420 million a year, despite this staggering figure, the issue of cargo crime is still regarded as a lower-priority offence, even as it continues to escalate and inflict severe financial losses, operational disruptions and wellbeing impacts on staff across the logistics sector. Large thefts of goods from the back of HGVs  and an opportunistic thief stealing from a small motor vehicle are recorded under the same categories, even if the cargo stolen amounts to millions of pounds. 

The reality is that these offences are from organised criminal gangs targeting HGV drivers and the freight supply chain, resulting in significant thefts of high-value cargo and threats towards drivers, putting their safety at risk. Freight is attractive to organised criminals who make a substantial profit from the ‘low risk, high reward’ offence, making profits from goods such as stolen fuel, tobacco, alcohol, high-value electrical items and much more. 

As crime continues to surge across the logistics and supply chain sectors, freight businesses must take preventative measures to protect their cargo, trucks, and employees from organised criminals. 

Understanding Organised Crime Groups

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) reported that the average loss per incident recorded was £13,252 last year with an estimated 5,373 incidents reported across the UK and that number is increasing at an alarming pace. Freight crime continues to escalate therefore logistics and supply chain businesses must be aware of the sophisticated tactics employed by organised gangs, to minimise threats. 

Unlike shoplifting or fraud, freight crime is not opportunistic; it is usually perpetrated by serious organised crime groups with significant industry knowledge. The gangs operate with a complete understanding of nationwide supply chains, utilising intense surveillance techniques and possessing networks of sales handlers to distribute the stolen goods. 

Often targeting major route motorway service stations, criminals attack HGV drivers and their cargo without detection through the night, often travelling for miles to pursue a target. Typically these gangs employ techniques like slashing the cargo curtain or trailer door to find valuable loads or threatening drivers to maximise their profits. The findings are then divided and sold using online platforms and sales handlers who distribute the stolen goods to backstreet wholesalers and markets undetected. The amount of stolen goods alone is recorded as £68 million, however it is estimated that the real figure could be up to seven times higher. 

However, England Logistics reports that this significant rise in cargo theft is also attributable to virtual crime rings outside of the country. The capabilities of these virtual gangs are immense, they can steal more, faster and from anywhere using elaborate redirecting schemes that infiltrate truck security systems and manipulate data. These digital theft rings can operate from anywhere in the world. Using the internet to execute their crimes by impersonating freight brokers identities, hiring trucking companies remotely and then coordinating the movement of stolen goods without being physically present. 

In addition to the financial losses from stolen goods, theft attempts also burden the industry with repair costs, such as approximately £100 for each slashed curtain, not to mention the mental strain placed on drivers. 

As organised criminal gangs continue to pose significant challenges to the logistics and supply chain sector it is clear that there is a need for a strategic collaboration network to address the threats and protect the integrity of the freight supply chain.

Security Measures: How to Protect Your Fleet

Implementing enhanced security measures is crucial for safeguarding fleets in today’s increasingly vulnerable environment. This involves adopting advanced practices such as improved surveillance systems, real time crime alerts and practical measures such as selective parking spaces and thorough route planning to help prevent theft and criminal activity.

For straight cargo thefts which occur in truck stops overnight, businesses can significantly reduce theft attempts by installing hard surveillance cameras and security measures such as trackers, door locks and wheel locks. These simple yet effective methods act as visual deterrents for organised gangs who are looking for vulnerable vehicles, acting as a reassuring barrier against violence. More practical prevention methods drivers can implement include parking in a secure well lit area with security and leaving no loaded trailer unattended.

For logistics companies, equipping all vehicles with tracking devices is an essential prevention measure. By enabling the monitoring of vehicle movements nationwide, businesses can locate a vehicle in the event of a theft, share a vehicle’s location with the police and make other drivers in the area aware of criminal activity. This not only lowers the risk of theft attacks, but also ensures the safety of drivers and the wider community. 

The Importance of a Data Sharing Network

While physical security measures are important, establishing a robust data-sharing network between industry and the police is equally crucial. This collaboration enhances threat detection, improves information exchange, and enables coordinated responses to crime. In today’s interconnected world, where rapid communication and shared intelligence are key, this partnership is essential for staying ahead of organised criminal gangs.

By joining crime prevention networks, businesses can further protect themselves from opportunistic thieves. These networks facilitate real-time information sharing with local law enforcement, helping to identify emerging threats and improve overall security levels.

Strengthening this collaboration allows both sectors to effectively spot new threats, respond swiftly to incidents, and mitigate the impact of criminal activities on the logistics and supply chain industries.

Stephen Gray, head of data and intelligence, NBCS