GOODS TRANSPORT
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Success of Security Measures
THERE is now a tendency for thieves I to concentrate on standing vehicles at night, said Mr. J. T. Brown, chairman of the Vehicles Security Committee of the Road Haulage Association, at a Press conference on Tuesday. It was estimated that 50 per cent of vehicles were stolen at night, say from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Mr. Brown quoted figures of thefts from commercial vehicles in one Metropolitan Police area to show that these had diminished by approximately one half. Though thefts of vehicles in the Metropolitan area had not lessened compared with last year, the value of thefts had shown an encouraging decrease. This suggested that thieves were now prepared. to take less—in many eases part loads.
Another encouraging feature of the theft figures was that in the period JulySeptember, 1962, the " recovery " figure (£17.000) was an improvement of more than 100 per cent on the same period for the previous year (£8,000). Arrests in the same period had increased from 57 to 64.
Mr. Brown was pleased with the performance of the R.H.A.-sponsored vehicle observer corps. Since its formation in June of this year, it had wade 90 calls. Five loaded vehicles had been recovered and a number of empty vehicles had also been located. In one busy Metropolitan area only three calls had been received in two months. But, he said: "we badly need more members for our observer corps."
An unhappy aspect of the situation was that " there are still far too many cases of gross negligence. There are still vehicles running 'about with numbers on the ignition?"
Many firms employing drivers should take much greater security measures. Special arrangements should certainly be made for valuable loads; the points of the Safety Committee's 12-point plan should be studied arid put into effect; and much greater care should be taken with the engaging of drivers. The Safety Committee had drawn up a specimen form which, it was suggested, drivers applying for employment should be asked to complete. Details would be -required of the driver's last six employers and a photograph of the driver would be affixed to the application form. This, it was thought, would discourage applications for employment from the wrong type of person.. The forms are available from the R.H.A. free on request.