Thieves target LGV test certificates
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by Karen Miles • Thousands of stolen annual test certificates are being offered to unscrupulous hauliers as the Vehicle Inspectorate admits it is almost powerless to stop soaring levels of theft.
Nearly 6,500 certificates have been stolen from the organisation's 91 test stations so far this year. The figure represents an increase of 31% on 1992's record of 3,632 LGV and 1,300 trailer certificates. This year's figure is split equally between vehicle and trailer certificates.
The number of thefts continues to shoot up despite a review of security lasting more than a year.
The theft campaign was started in 1991 when just over 2,000 certificates were stolen—not one was stolen during the previous two years.
A VI spokesman says: "This is happening when we're putting in new safes and better alarm systems. We're studying our security measures but it's difficult to know what to do. However, as part of the review we're piecing together intelligence from the break-ins."
The VI has suffered a series of break-ins at test stations: in one case thieves drove a bulldozer through the door.
Last year the theft of test certificates was mentioned in Parliament when Labour MP Alan Meale asked to know the number of certificates stolen in 1991. He feared a large black market in the documents. Operators who believe they may have been given a stolen test certificate should contact their local test station which keeps a record.
One North-West-based owner-driver says although he has never used a stolen test certificate, he knows where he could get one. He says the thieves would never tout for business in a pub or truckstop, but tend to sell to people they trust.
Li The Transport and General Workers Union is urging transport bosses to guard against the "spectre" of forged LGV driving licences following reports of bogus training certificates circulating in the construction industry.
The call for employers to check the authenticity of drivers' LGV licences follows a recent swoop on a North-East construction site which exposed several men working with forged Certificates of Training Achievement of Construction Plant Operators. The cards also allow on-site driving of LGVs.
TGWU general trades officer at Leeds, John Mallinder, says: "We have to ask whether the same applies to Class 1 licences...The concept of a 38-1onne vehicle being driven by an untrained driver is truly frightening."
Mallinder adds: The technology is there and surely if you get someone who has lost their licence they can put the pressure on to get a replacement."