Trucks

Trucks are often carrying valuable products, so are inevitably a big target for crime.

Truck drivers and their companies should follow a number of precautions to ensure they don't become a very costly target of crime.

• Recruit honest and reliable drivers – check references, driving license and criminal record
• Train drivers in following security measures for their vehicles
• Build security duties into contracts of employment
• Never disclose information to telephone callers without verifying who they are, e.g. about the company policy on security
• Restrict knowledge about loads to only those who need to know
• The pre-loading of vehicles, normally for early morning departures, should be kept to an absolute minimum. When pre-loading is necessary, the vehicle should always be kept in secure premises
• Keep vehicle keys secure at all times – never leave them where they could be copied

Drivers should:

• Lock and secure your vehicle whenever you leave the cab
• Keep your keys with you when you are away from your vehicle
• Refuel on-site before beginning your journey whenever possible
• Check that your vehicle is correctly loaded
• Watch out for incorrect or short loading by careless or dishonest warehouse staff, even those not directly involved with loading
• Report any irregularity in loading, locking or sealing, or in documents
• Avoid stops for newspapers, cigarettes etc.
• Verify any instructions to change a delivery address with your Transport Manager
• Never discuss the nature of journeys or loads with others
• Use pre-planned secure overnight parking facilities whenever possible and decide on these before starting a journey
• Never give a lift to hitchhikers
• Join the ‘Truckwatch' scheme