Load thefts in decline
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• UK thefts of lorry loads decreased by 10% last year: 600 loads worth £30m were stolen in 1994, compared with 663 loads worth £28m taken in 1993.
The overall value of loads stolen last year has risen, says a spokesman for Essex Police's Stolen Vehicle Squad, the department which produces information on load thefts.
Thieves have been targeting high-value loads, says the spokesman. But a recent worrying trend is to sell on the vehicle, rather than abandoning it minus its load.
36% of the 185 loads taken went from London and Essex. Other areas showing high levels of theft are Suffolk, Humberside, Lancashire, Hertfordshire, Kent and Northamptonshire. L, The Police Research Group at the Home Office has started work on a project to find out which type of trucks are most likely to be taken, the numbers and circumstances of thefts (CM 1-7 December).
Victims of truck theft are being sent detailed questionnaires—at present truck thefts are not separated from other vehicle theft statistics.
The report is expected to be published in the summer. Anyone who has had a truck stolen should contact Commercial Motor's Critneline on 081-652 3689 (24hrs).