Tackling Cargo Crime in 2024 Cargo crime on UK roads has risen during the cost of living crisis.

Cargo theft is on the rise in the UK. Organised crime gangs are finding new ways to target vehicles carrying high-value goods.

2023 saw more organised supply-chain thefts than ever on our roads. Incidents included threats and attacks on haulage vehicle drivers. In the last year alone, The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service found:

• 5,373 cases of cargo crime
• Estimated £68 million lost in stolen goods
• 7% increase in cargo crime cases between 2022 and 2023

Thieves target popular items such as meats, oils, and alcoholic drinks. Still, the value of these stolen goods is just the start. The total damages are likely far greater, as the goods’ retail prices are higher.

Additionally, repair costs for damaged vehicles and rising insurance premiums contribute to spiralling expenses. These fees can quickly add up, leaving supply chains around the globe to pay the price.

What's causing cargo crime to spike?

As the cost of living crisis bites households across the UK, demand for basic groceries has grown. Inflation continues to drive up the price of in-demand supermarket goods while eroding consumers' spending power. The result is a buoyant black market with more sophisticated criminal networks.

“In an environment where there are pressing economic factors and a lack of infrastructure, it is anticipated that the problem of thefts will continue.”

Malcolm Kirkbride - RSA Technical Expert, Claims

In 2023 food and beverages made up 21% of the total goods stolen - a big jump from 17% in 2022 and 14% in 2021. This category leads other commodities such as:

• Agriculture products (10%)
• Electronics (10%)
• Fuel (8%)

The British Standards Institute implies that groceries are often easier to target than higher-value items. This is because they may be transported without tracking devices or anti-theft technologies.

Roadside parking conditions across the UK could also be partly to blame. There are only two parking facilities in the whole of the UK with a ‘secure’ accreditation. The majority only offer a basic level of security, including adequate lighting and CCTV presence.

Many lorry drivers stay overnight at lay-bys, off-street parking or service stations. Cambridgeshire Police recently reported a staggering 380% surge in regional cargo crime. 46% of these happened in lay-bys. Another 27% occured at service stations.

Risk reducing measures

Steps to reduce cargo theft risk in transportation:

1. Secure your load with the latest technology

Familiarise yourself with your vehicle's alarm and security features. If possible, you may also want to invest in new counter-theft systems.

Cargo trackers and remote vehicle immobilisation can be effective safeguarding tools. Some trackers even allow real-time cargo monitoring.

Electronic keys and biometric driver identification add extra levels of security.

Specialist locks and telematic door solutions employ remote monitoring to control, gauge and secure doors through digital platforms. They can be more expensive but worthwhile for high-value cargo. Telematic doors may be especially useful, as they share real-time updates about a vehicle's location, speed, fuel consumption and driving behaviour.

Effective security doesn’t need to be limited to transit measures. Vehicle warehouses can use intruder detection systems, CCTV, robust gates, and anti-ram barriers to deter theft and enhance protection.

“Whilst many view cargo thefts from road transport in the UK as ‘opportunistic’, it is evident these thefts are being run by organised crime. There are ways we can work with our customers to increase the resilience of the Supply Chain for all concerned. This may be done directly through planning routes to minimise the use of parking in unsecure areas, establishing procedures and greater security precautions where valuable commodities are involved.” Malcolm Kirkbride - RSA Technical Expert, Claims

2. Prioritise secure parking

The Annual Cargo Theft Report 2023 highlights that 23% of incidents took place at roadside locations.

A good way to tackle this is to find secure parking areas. Businesses' should carefully plan where to take rest breaks and suitable overnight stops. The highest levels of safety can be found in dedicated parking areas. These usually have security personnel, CCTV, secure fencing, and controlled access points. Unfortunately, these types of facilities are uncommon in the UK. In fact, "the RHA estimates there is a shortage of 11,000 secure parking places in the UK alone", Malcolm shares.

With 23% of cargo thefts occurring at roadside locations, choosing secure parking is crucial. Plan rest breaks and overnight stops at facilities with high-security measures, such as CCTV, secure fencing, and security personnel. Use apps like TRANSPark to find and book secure parking in advance.

3. Mix up your routes

Plan routes to minimise parking in unsecure locations. This can make things less predictable for organised gangs.

Malcolm emphasises that "Introducing physical measures can be relatively simple. One customer held loaded trailers containing high-value metals in front of their premises to facilitate ‘pick up’. These were moved to a more secure location on site and out of view".

Also consider varied depot routes so drivers avoid stopping at the same locations. Sometimes nighttime travel can’t be avoided but try to rework collection and departure times. This might allow drivers to travel in daylight hours, where cargo crime is less frequent. It may even be worth researching the best times of day to travel along specific routes.

Drivers should also try to travel in trusted convoys. Convoys are especially recommended when delivering high-value loads. It's also important to trust the people you work with.

"We encourage customers to exercise due diligence. When they are entrusting their cargo and reputation to a third party, they are dealing with honest and reputable firms".

Giving RSA customers a helping hand

Staying vigilant, streamlining procedures, and keeping on top of the logistics can help keep cargo running smoothly. Anti-theft technologies are also improving all the time. However, mitigating risk can still be challenging. This is why RSA are committed to collaborating with customers to identify preventative measures and manage claims effectively.

With special thanks to Malcolm Kirkbride, RSA Technical Expert, Claims

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