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Turning to violence

19th January 2006
Page 20
Page 20, 19th January 2006 — Turning to violence
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

While the number of reported incidents is down, violent crimes such as hijacking are becoming more

prevalent Chris Tindall reports.

The number of reported hijackings between October and December last year has more than double compared with two years ago and has increased by almost a third when compared with the same period in 2004.

The latest figures fromTruckPol, the intelligence-led unit that collates and analyses road freight crime figures, show that drivers were assaulted, abducted and tied or handcuffed on eight occasions during the period. Firearms were produced on three occasions and suspected gas attacks continue to be reported by drivers.

The number of hijacks and attempted hijacks hit 46 and the number of incidents involving thefts from vehicles was 297. that's 10 more than in the same period in 2004. but 106 less than in 2003.1n total, reported incidents were down 10% compared to 2004.and 17.5% down on 2003.

The Metropolitan Police reported the most crimes. followed by the Kent. West Mercia, Essex and West Midlands forces, Household goods, including furniture, kitchen equipment and toiletries. were the property most often stolen, thought to he due to the ease with which they can he sold on. The quarterly report also shows the average loss per incident was £28.190.

Diversion crimes

However, there was some good news. The quarter witnessed a sharp drop in the number of lorry load diversion crimes,which police say is down to greater public awareness of the problem. In addi tion, two men were arrested, charged and later found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London for lorry load diversion crimes, which led to a drop in incidents in the London Docklands area.

But detective sergeant Mark Hooper says there's no reason to be positive about the results. The decrease in reported incidents since 2003 is largely down to operators losing faith in the police's ability to tackle crime effectively.

"Also, not every police force sends us the data," he explains. "There's very little we can do. unless the Home Office changes reporting standards. A chief constable doesn't want to divert resources to something that isn't going Lobe appraised."

He adds:"It's a generalisation hut it's a catch-22:1f you don't tell police where it's happening, they can't deploy resources to deal with it."

The Road Haulage Association's Security Committee chairman,Tony Allen, says the increase in hijackings is easily explained "The more crime prevention you put in place, the more the criminal is going to have to resort te violence. It's a natural progression."

Short sentences

Allen also blames the courts:"Addressing the problem is a longterm process, and not helped by courts that do not treat [truck crime] seriously. Convictions and sentences don't match the crime."

Police are still reporting the prevalence of opportunist theft Truck pol's report says: "Drivers continue to leave keys in the ignition of unattended vehicles or leave load compartment doors open while away making deliveries.

"Operators are also leaving fully loaded trailers parked in insecure yards or even on the street and there have been a number of thefts where thieves have simply driven in with their own tractor unit. hitched up and driven away."

It adds that portable sat-nay systems are proving to be very attractive to thieves, even if the 'head' is hidden in the glove box for protection.There has also been an increase in thefts of headlights, humpers,wheels and diesel, mainly from quiet, poorly lit yards overnight or at weekends.

The report concludes: "As 2005 drew to a close, we saw a repeat of previous years' seasonal spike in thefts in October and November followed by a drop in activity in December. 'However] carelessness still affords too many opportunities for well organised and opportunist thieves to steal loads in significant amounts." •


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