Staffordshire Police held an engagement event to consolidate awareness around freight crime.
On 4 October, 25 October and 1 November, officers spoke to lorry drivers on Hilton, Stafford and Keele services, issuing key prevention messages in the build-up to Christmas.
Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, said: “Staffordshire Police work closely with our partners at Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) and National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to regularly carry out operations to catch and deter organised crime groups intent on committing freight crime.
“We received extremely positive feedback on these events, drivers were pleased to see our focus on raising awareness on freight crime and the investigative efforts involved to bring those to justice.”
Sergeant Kramer Caldwell, said: “The majority of those who interacted with officers were supportive of the network and incentives in place to support freight crime.
“The force’s Road Policing Unit were equally supportive of the event, where we continue to work with our partners to deliver effective pro-active campaigns regarding freight crime awareness”.
Before Christmas, it is commonplace for a small spike in this criminality to occur, where offenders seek to exploit valuable goods stored in HGV vehicles.
Offenders are often involved in sophisticated organised crime groups, who target these vehicles for their own criminal gain.
DCI Brett Mallon, Head of NaVCIS, said: “It can have devastating consequences on the haulage industry, so it’s important that we work together to raise awareness, increase safety measures and disrupt criminality.”
