Secure parking intelligence used to reduce freight crime

27th July 2010

The problem of transport related crime is a significant issue in Europe and the UK, as crime rates soar and the use of violence in crimes increases. More than ever, secure parking is at the top of the agenda for the truck drivers and the freight industry as a whole

Transnational trade is a cornerstone of the EU, with nearly three quarters of all goods transported utilising road freight. The transport services sector employs approximately 8.8 million people in the EU; each day many goods worth billions of Euros are moved on the trans-European road network - an integral element of the supply chain.

A recent study performed by NEA on behalf of the European Parliament has shown that the costs related to cargo theft amounts to estimates of 8.2 billion Euros in the European Union.  Within the UK, it is estimated that 40,000 truck crimes occur annually with over £500 million worth of trucks and goods being stolen.  Over 3,000 HGVs are taken each year and never recovered (TruckPol).

A recent survey found that staying in a non-secure parking area will increase the chance of being a victim by nearly seven times with over a quarter of crime occurring in non-secure area (Secured Truck Parking Best Practice Handbook).  An innovative project, NS FRITS (North Sea Freight Intelligent Transport Solutions) is tackling the issue of secure parking.

NS FRITS will provide information to drivers about secure parking locations, crime hotspots and local policing practices. Access to this information will help ensure drivers remain safe.  This system aims to reduce journey times and cut the costs associated with the loss of goods and vehicles, reducing the cost of freight crime across Europe.  This will have significant benefits to the economy.

“The link between access to secure parking and freight crime is clear.  The NS FRITS system will address the issue of secure parking.  By giving drivers and freight businesses access to this crucial information we will be able to reduce crime, boost the economy and keep our drivers safe.” David Ransom, Chief Executive, People United Against Crime

The NS FRITS system development and testing will be completed by 2011.  It is being developed by a selection of public and private sector organisations including; Volvo, ISL, People United Against Crime, Avanti Communications, AVCIS, Humberside Police, the Dutch Police, the University of Hull and the University of Huddersfield.