Police target lorry crime

Police target lorry crime

Police have seized £1m of goods

Britain's biggest crackdown on stolen lorries and loads will see police officers from 13 forces stopping and searching HGVs across the country.

Operation Coppergold, which includes Northamptonshire Police and Thames Valley Police, will see vehicles stopped at random at up to 70 locations on Wednesday.

The operation, which was launched in December last year, has already seen the seizure of stolen goods valued at £1m and a 9% reduction in lorry-related crime.

Detective Superintendent Dean Smith, from Northamptonshire Police, who is co-ordinating the operation in the county, said: "The aim of the operation is to crackdown on drivers of stolen lorries and lorry loads, a growing 'business' which is estimated to cost the country more than £100m each year.

"It is a well organised crime which we are determined to disrupt.

'Very clear message'

"The purpose of this national operation is not only to identify offences and offenders, but to disrupt criminal activity and give a very clear message to those involved in HGV-related crime."

Co-ordinator Detective Chief Inspector Tim Godwin, from West Midlands Police, said it would send "a very clear message".

"Theft of lorries and lorry loads is a growing business," he said.

"It is well organised and estimated to cost the haulage industry well over £100m every year."

Last year goods valued at £12m were stolen in just three lorry thefts near Heathrow Airport.

West Midlands area manager John Howells said the Road Haulage Association was "right behind the police".

He urged his members to "come forward and give any information they may have".