TT Club calls for urgent overhaul of lorry parking security across the UK to combat rising cargo theft

aerial view of Car_and_truck_parking_lot with white lorries

2 September 2025, London, UK

Following the release of an industry led Department for Transport (DfT) Task and Finish Group (TFG) report on lorry parking security and standards, market-leading mutual insurer TT Club is urging coordinated action across industry and government to address the serious and rising threat of cargo theft in the UK.

The findings, drawn from analysis by the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS Freight), reveal that 5,373 freight crime incidents were recorded in 2023 alone, representing an estimated £68 million in losses, with the true cost likely much higher.

Government recognition and support

In a recent letter to the TFG, the DfT formally recognised the importance of high-quality lorry parking facilities, stating: "the Government recognises the need to provide all HGV drivers with access to appropriate facilities…not just to attract new drivers to the profession, but to support the health and wellbeing of those already in the sector”.

TT Club Managing Director of Loss Prevention, Mike Yarwood, commented:

“We are pleased the Government has acknowledged the valuable outputs of the TFG and the need for improved HGV driver facilities. However, urgent collective action is now needed to implement the report's recommendations, particularly in raising minimum security standards.”

Deputy Chief Constable Jayne Meir, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Lead for Freight Crime, said:

“I welcome the findings of the Task and Finish Group report in relation to security standards for lorry parking facilities. The report provides truck stops and the haulage sector with an insight into the improvements that can be made, to keep drivers safe and their cargoes more secure.”

The heavy toll of inadequate security

Despite some facilities being classified as safe, nearly a third of cargo theft incidents occurred at said safe locations – highlighting the need to distinguish between facilities that safeguard drivers and those that fully secure vehicles and cargo. Current site vulnerabilities include poor lighting, lack of perimeter fencing, insufficient CCTV, and uncontrolled access, making sites ideal targets for organised criminals.

Drivers are also facing emotional and professional strain – according to the Trucking Lives 2024 report, 32% of drivers report that their mental health has been negatively impacted by the risks associated with inadequate facilities.

Industry-led leadership and solutions

The TFG, supported by TT Club and police security experts, provided targeted security assessments at the UK's most theft-prone lorry parks, explaining it was: “particularly pleased to see the practical steps taken to provide site-specific advice to the top 10 lorry parking sites most vulnerable to crime”, adding that this work had been referred to the Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention.

Case studies included in the report, from The Hollies and Red Lion Truck Stops, both of which have invested significantly in accredited security standards, demonstrate crime reduction, 100% occupancy rates, and improved driver satisfaction, proving secure parking can be commercially successful.

Call for coordinated action

TT Club supports recommendations that include:

Increased match-funding to incentivise security investment
Stronger planning guidance and earlier engagement between developers and local authorities
Public funding for policing units like NaVCIS Freight
Adoption and promotion of recognised secure parking standards
Development of a national secure parking network across the Strategic Road Network

“Industry has shown what’s achievable, but we cannot tackle this alone.” Said Yarwood. “We thank the DfT for its recognition and strongly urge all stakeholders to act swiftly on the TFG report’s conclusions. The time for meaningful change is now.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

“The importance of raising the security standards of lorry parking facilities” report was developed as a deliverable through an industry led Department for Transport (DfT) Task and Finish Group (TFG) to examine how standards of lorry parking facilities can be raised nationwide.

View the full report here, or download it using the link below.

About TT Club

TT Club is a market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. Its mission is to make the global supply chain safer, more secure and more sustainable, with over 1,100 Member organisations spanning ports, terminals, shipping lines, freight forwarders and logistics companies. TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller, which is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and supporting environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.

About NaVCIS

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) is a national policing unit that bridges the gap between policing and industry. It works to disrupt criminality and protect communities from the harm caused by vehicle finance crime and serious, organised crime. As a centralised, specialist police capability, it is dedicated to developing and sharing intelligence to prevent members of the public and businesses from becoming victims of economic crime. Uniquely, NaVCIS is entirely funded by industry. It is a non-profit and invests all funds on the designated areas.
navcis.police.uk