Midlands Faces Surge in Vehicle Thefts by Organised Gangs

Motorists in the Midlands have been alerted to a disturbing trend: certain vehicles, particularly those in the freight sector, are increasingly becoming targets for organised criminal gangs. The rise in thefts has prompted warnings from the HGV Networking Group, which indicates that crime directed at the freight industry has evolved into a “sophisticated, organised operation.”

The warning comes in light of an appeal to locate a lorry trailer identified as blue with the registration number 17701TBX. This trailer was “last pinged” on Wellmans Road in Willenhall at 12:40 AM on October 26, 2023. Reports suggest that two suspect vehicles were involved in the theft: a DAF CF Super Space lorry, suspected to be cloned, and a Ford S-Max.

Organised Crime Threatens Freight Industry

The HGV Networking Group has expressed serious concern about the growing trend of theft from commercial vehicles, describing it as an “easy way of making money” with low risk and high reward. The group noted the troubling fact that sentences for such crimes are comparable to those for petty theft, such as taking a wallet from a car.

A representative from the group stated that freight crime in the UK has emerged as one of the most persistent and damaging threats to the road transport sector. “What was once considered opportunistic has evolved into a sophisticated, organised operation costing hauliers, insurers, and the wider economy hundreds of millions of pounds each year,” the spokesperson explained.

The types of incidents reported include stolen trailers, decanted loads, and thefts of diesel, tools, and vehicle parts. The group emphasizes that the pattern is evident: criminal organisations are taking advantage of gaps in enforcement, intelligence sharing, and secure parking infrastructure. This exploitation leaves professional drivers and operators vulnerable to theft.

Industry Response and Efforts to Combat Crime

As the threat to the freight industry intensifies, heightened vigilance is essential among drivers and transport operators. The HGV Networking Group is advocating for improved security measures and better intelligence sharing to combat this growing menace.

The impact of such thefts extends beyond immediate financial losses, affecting insurance rates and the overall cost of goods transported across the region. With the Midlands and its surrounding areas identified as prime targets for these crimes, stakeholders in the freight industry may need to reassess their security protocols and collaborate more effectively to protect their assets.

The recent incidents underscore the urgency for collective action against organised crime within the transport sector, ensuring the safety of drivers and the integrity of operations across the region.