The rise of side-by-side theft: a growing threat to UK hauliers
The rise of this crime poses a significant financial and operational threat to hauliers, insurers, and businesses relying on road freight
Criminal gangs in the UK are increasingly using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to commit a sophisticated and highly dangerous form of cargo theft known as "side-by-side theft." This method involves thieves pulling alongside moving lorries, slicing open trailer curtains, and stealing valuable goods in transit. The rise of this crime poses a significant financial and operational threat to hauliers, insurers, and businesses relying on road freight.
Rollover theft
It’s not just side-by-side theft that is affecting hauliers - in 2024, there were nine incidents of rollover theft. Rollover theft is a perilous way of stealing cargo that involves criminals driving a car directly behind a fast-moving lorry, climbing out of the sunroof onto the bonnet, and using an angle grinder to undo the back door of the truck, enabling them to steal cargo.
These developments, along with traditional method of theft, such as targeting parked vehicles, continue to cause disruption in the haulage industry. In July 2024, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) called on the government to create a specific freight crime offence and a national truck parking security standard to help tackle thefts.
Official figures
The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) described cargo theft as ‘serious and organised crime’. Gangs understand supply chains, surveillance and policing, and have ‘underground networks of handlers that will handle a vast quantity of cargo for serious sums of money’. While there is no precise figure for the number of thefts from lorries in the UK, NaVCIS said there were more than 5,000 incidents of lorry crime in 2023, or about 14 every day. This equates to around £6m loss of goods, although it’s estimated the real figure is several times higher.
The financial impact on businesses
Cargo theft is causing substantial financial losses for the haulage industry. Stolen goods often include high-value items such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods, which can cost businesses millions annually. Beyond the direct cost of lost cargo, businesses also suffer from disrupted supply chains, delayed deliveries, and reputational damage. In the case of food cargo, once a curtain is slashed, the goods will be rejected, even if no theft takes place.
For hauliers, frequent theft claims can lead to increased insurance premiums and, in some cases, difficulty obtaining coverage. Additionally, the costs of repairing damaged trailers and implementing extra security measures further strain operational budgets.
How insurance providers assess and cover such losses
Insurance providers assess side-by-side theft claims based on various factors, including the type of cargo, security measures in place, and the circumstances of the theft. Many insurers now require hauliers to implement additional security protocols to qualify for comprehensive coverage.
Policies typically cover cargo theft, but insurers may apply conditions such as:
- Proof of enhanced security measures, such as reinforced trailers or anti-theft locks
- GPS tracking and telematics data to verify incidents
- Evidence of driver training and compliance with security best practices
Preventative measures to mitigate risk
To combat side-by-side theft, hauliers must adopt proactive security strategies, including:
- Reinforced trailer security: Investing in high-security trailer curtains, anti-slash materials, and secondary locking mechanisms can make it more difficult for criminals to access cargo.
- GPS tracking and telematics: Advanced GPS tracking systems enable real-time monitoring of vehicles, helping to detect suspicious activity and allowing quick intervention if theft is attempted.
- Enhanced driver training: Educating drivers on recognising potential threats, avoiding high-risk routes, and responding to theft attempts is crucial. Defensive driving techniques can also help drivers deter thieves by making it harder for them to pull alongside the vehicle.
How PIB can help
PIB has extensive experience in the haulage sector and, working with a panel of leading insurers, can provide tailored insurance solutions, ensuring haulage companies are protected against existing and evolving threats, such as side-by-side, rollover and truck stop theft and rollover theft. Whatever the size of your haulage company, our dedicated haulage team will work with you to ensure you are covered by a comprehensive insurance policy, giving you peace of mind that your cargoes, trucks and drivers are protected.