Theft feared more than arson attacks
Page 6
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by Miles Brignall • Hauliers of meat and other animal products fear theft more than attack by animal right activists, despite this week's arson attack on a Gloucestershire abattoir that left five trucks badly damaged.
These were the findings of a Commercial Motor poll after the attack on Cinderfordbased Ensor Abattoirs on Sunday (11 June).
Most hauliers say they are not thinking about stepping up security to counter the threat from rights activists. "It won't happen here" was a common view.
Two weeks ago 29 milk tankers were destroyed in two attacks on Wincanton Transport's Crewe and Freight Tanker's Macclesfield depots. Although no group claimed responsibility, animal rights protesters are suspected.
As CM went to press Gloucester police were still holding two men and a woman taken into custody for questioning following the Cinderford attack. Late on Monday (12 June) police were granted permission by magistrates to hold the three for an extra 36 hours. Although the police have refused to say whether they are part of an animal rights group, the attack is thought to have similarities to previous assaults.
Robert Ensor, owner of the familyrun firm, says more than 20 incendiary devices were placed in eight ERF vehicles, but most failed to explode. Early estimates put damage to five vehicles at £50,000.
"This is first attack of its kind around here, we're just a small family firm going about our business," he says. "All our security was aimed at stopping the trucks from being stolen, rather than attacked."
For most meat hauliers this remains the case although an exception is Shropshirebased Cadwallader. Its fleet of 125 vehicles is kept in yards with 24-hour security.
The Meat and Livestock Commission says it is very concerned by the attacks but is not issuing warnings the industry to step up security. "If anyone sees anything suspicious, our advice is to call in the police," says a spokesman.
171See Arson feature on pages 34-37.