LETTER OF THE WEEK
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TruckPol both needs and deserves your support
I AM A COMMERCIAL transport and haulage insurance broker with more than 35 years experience in the sector. I have previously worked as a transport risk and security consultant, including working closely with the Essex Police National Stolen Lorry Load Desk, which was the forerunner to TruckPol.
I was sad to read that the Home Ofice has decided to stop the ‘matched funding’ of TruckPol (CM 17 March), which was irst put in place during my time working with Essex Police, nine years ago.
Insurers and industry now support TruckPol because they realise how important its role is in tackling road freight crime. Hauliers are the victims of many crimes, including hijacks, fuel thefts and arson.
TruckPol needs more support, and it needs every one to report criminal incidents to the police so it can accurately monitor the scale of the problem. This information is then used to help prioritise the police resource dedicated to ighting lorry load crime.
I would urge all transport operators and their drivers to ensure all crimes are notiied to the police immediately. It is also a condition of insurance policies that crimes are reported and a crime reference number obtained. Any dificulties with reporting the crimes to the local police should be lagged up to TruckPol, and the unit should be able to assist in resolving any local issues.
Frank Heinrich-Jones Insurance broker Wrightsure Insurance Group