BURNING ISSUE
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Compared with the current epidemic in lorry thefts, arson attacks on vehicles and premises are rare. But for
the victims the drivers and the businesses—they are both shocking and costly.
In recent years some hauliers, particularly livestock transporters, and reefer operators have become regular targets for attack, with animal rights activists frequently being blamed. There is little that the companies concerned can do as the purpose of the livestock transporters is clearly visible.
A dreadful incident in Bishopsgate recently brought home to many another aspect of a political spillover into lorry damage. A "copy-cat" truck was used to transport a bomb into the heart of the City of London, causing billions of pounds of damage.
In a cunningly thought out plan, terrorists stole an Iveco Ford eight-wheel tipper from a builder's yard in Newcastle under Lyme, then burnt out an identical vehicle belonging to a haulage company in Trafford Park, Manchester, transferring its identity to the builder's vehicle. The newly liveried and registered "Trojan Horse" was then used to plant the bomb without fear of discovery as a stolen vehicle.
Graham Houghton the Controller (Security) at the Road Haulage Association believes there is little that companies or individual drivers can do other than adhere to standard procedures. Good premises security, good perimeter protection, lighting and closed circuit television can all help, he says.
But intensive security costs a great deal and those additional costs have to be passed on to the client (and the customer).
But is clear from talking to hauliers that their customers both accept and appreciate the efforts made by securityconscious firms. Both the companies which were hit by arson reported a strengthening in their relationships with their clients after the attack.
11by Kathy Watson