"Land Pirates" Threat To Truck Drivers
Released
on: May 25, 2009, 7:38 am
Author: Staveley
Head
Industry: Financial
Europol,
the EU's police Agency, has reported that truck drivers on European
roads are facing the same threat of hijack as shipping off the
Somalian coast. Organised crime gangs, nick-named 'land pirates'
by truckers, are behind the robberies and they view truck drivers
as an easy target.
A
spokesman for Staveley Head, one of the UK's leading HGV insurance
providers, said "Many of the policyholders who have their
truck insurance with us have Green Cards, or European travel extensions,
to their policies and we feel they should be made aware of these
recent statistics from Europol for their own safety. Hijacking
on European roads is definitely on the increase and although Europol
will do their part to counter these crimes, it is up to every
truck driver to be as vigilant as possible."
It
is the Eastern European countries, such as Poland, Hungary and
Romania, which pose the greatest risk. Cargoes being targeted
are those which are valuable and easy to dispose of or sell on.
Alcohol, tobacco, computers, designer clothing and prescription
drugs are high on the list but nickel and copper appear to be
the most attractive target for the thieves.
The
International Road Transport Union recently released a survey
indicating that one in six truck drivers has been attacked in
the last five years, and of those victims one in five had been
targeted more than once. Nearly half of the crimes took place
in truck parking areas.
Europol
director Rob Wainwright said "Road-related cargo crime threatens
the principle of free movement of goods across Europe." He
went on to advise national police forces "Close co-operation
and joint efforts are necessary, otherwise we will not be able
to match criminals who are both innovative and cruel in their
actions and behaviour."
If
you want further information about this subject, or any aspect
of lorry insurance or simply want a truck insurance quote Staveley
Head will be pleased to assist.
Staveley
Head is one of the UK's leading transport insurance brokers and
will give you all the advice and assistance you need, including
a very competitive truck insurance quote, if you log onto their
website at www.staveleyhead.co.uk
Contact
Details: Staveley Head, Flint, United Kingdom,
quotes@staveleyhead.co.uk, www.staveleyhead.co.uk
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