Tougher sentencing of criminals targeting HGVs and their freight needs to be introduced to stop millions of pounds of goods being stolen every year, according to the RHA.
It wants the government to create a specific freight crime offence to smash crime gangs preying on hauliers.
Speaking to the BBC, RHA public affairs manager Ashton Cull said: “Freight crime is low risk, high reward for highly organised criminals. This is happening every night in truckstops right across the UK. We believe the specific offence of freight crime should be recognised, with tougher sentencing in place to reflect the wider harm caused.”
The trade association’s policy lead, James Barwise, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme there were more than 5,300 incidents of freight crime in 2023 and £68m-worth of cargo stolen and the situation could not continue.
He said: “We want to hear more from the new transport secretary regarding her support for the industry. Specifically, we need to see more safe and secure lorry parking. Without assistance from the government on planning reform, we won’t get the secure facilities that drivers and businesses need to feel safe when doing their job.”
Freight crime is estimated to cost the UK economy £250m each year and is carried out by organised crime gangs with industry knowledge.
