Criminal gangs targeting UK haulage firms: what the latest BBC investigation shows

The BBC documentary Lorry Crime Exposed has brought fresh attention to organised groups buying haulage firms, posing as subcontractors and stealing loaded trailers. You can watch the programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mgcd

This issue is not new, but the scale and planning behind these thefts has grown. Lloyd Morgan Group works with operators nationwide and sees the strain that rising freight crime puts on transport businesses. This review sets out the key findings from the documentary and draws on wider reporting to give you a clearer picture of the threat facing the sector.

Criminal groups acquiring haulage firms

The BBC uncovered cases where criminals bought failing transport companies, took over their operator licences and used them to accept subcontracted loads. One case involved a network of firms purchased using the identity of a deceased man. A UK transport company hired one of these firms as a subcontractor, unknowingly handing over a £75,000 load that never arrived.

This tactic mirrors cases seen by Europol across Europe. The model is simple: use a legitimate front, collect high-value goods and vanish before the fraud is detected. It raises questions about licensing due diligence, subcontracting checks and the speed at which criminal groups can move before authorities intervene.

Freight crime rising year on year

The documentary highlighted the scale of freight losses. Reported UK freight crime reached £111 million last year, up from £68 million in 2023. Other sources echo this growth. The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has warned across several reports that theft from trailers, fuel siphoning and full load losses continue to rise.

The BBC showed CCTV and driver footage of criminals cutting curtains, forcing locks and raiding lorries stuck in traffic. Entire trailers have been taken from depots or roadside lay-bys. Drivers described waking to find slashed side curtains and missing cargo. Alcohol, designer goods and electronics remain common targets, reflecting their resale value and quick turnaround.

Why do you think criminals continue to find gaps in security despite years of warnings?

Impact on drivers and operators

Drivers face growing personal risk, especially when required to rest at insecure locations. Many describe feeling isolated and exposed on overnight stops. Operators face higher insurance premiums, disrupted supply chains and a heavy administrative load after each incident.

These crimes also undermine trust across subcontracting networks. A legitimate operator may unknowingly hand a load to a criminal front, and by the time the issue is discovered, the goods have already moved through multiple hands.

How well does your organisation verify subcontractors and temporary carriers?

Industry and policing response

The National Police Chiefs Council said freight crime is becoming more organised and stressed the need for stronger cooperation with industry. Deputy Chief Constable Jayne Meir confirmed that a dedicated team at Opal, the national intelligence unit for acquisitive crime, will begin targeting freight crime next year.

The Road Haulage Association told the BBC that its members report incidents daily. Labour MP Rachel Taylor said the problem has gone without proper recognition and called for a coordinated policing plan and more resources.

Transport operators interviewed in other industry reports also call for secure parking, better intelligence sharing and faster police attendance when loads are stolen. Many say national coverage is uneven, leaving operators in some regions with limited support.

Why this matters for your business

Criminal groups are not only stealing goods. They are exploiting legitimate structures in the licensing and subcontracting system. This places pressure on operators to strengthen their own controls, including:

• deeper checks on subcontractors
• stricter review of company status changes
• improved driver security briefings
• careful assessment of rest locations
• rapid reporting to police and NaVCIS

Do your current processes catch the warning signs that appeared in the cases shown by the BBC?

Where to learn more

• BBC documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002mgcd
• NaVCIS Freight Crime reports
• Europol warnings on fraudulent transport companies

Lloyd Morgan Group continues to monitor developments and support operators with compliance reviews, risk assessments and training. If you want help strengthening your own controls or reviewing subcontracting procedures, our team can guide you.