Lorries targeted by gangs of hijackers

Gangs have raided more than 130 lorries in the West Midlands so far this year, it was revealed today.

Figures obtained by the Express & Star show hijackings and thefts cost local firms £2.16 million.

Crooks using pumps to drain lorries of diesel accounted for 35 of the 139 incidents of freight crime since the beginning of January.

Twelve lorry-jackings took place during this period, when robbers made off with hauls including metals, cigarettes and food.

The highest numbers of thefts of or from lorries during one month was 25, in both March and June.

DCI Mark Hooper, head of unit for Truckpol which tackles the crimes, said there has been a drop in the number of attacks taking place.

He added: "There is a relatively small number of experts targeting lorries.

"This is very well organised by professionals who will travel the country to find a load they can sell."

Among the raids was a gang attack on a lorry driver in March, when the driver was forced to drive more than 100 miles from Preston to St Anne's Road, in Willenhall, where criminals stole his load of copper worth thousands of pounds.

Taped

The driver was taped to his seat and threatened with a stun gun after crooks posing as officials from the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency pulled him over on the M6.

Police and council chiefs in Walsall have been discussing the possibility of well-lit, warden-patrolled overnight lorry parks and multi-lingual signs featuring security advice for foreign drivers.

In Featherstone a lorry park has closed while in Walsall Wood there are plans to turn one into a car park.

Pelsall councillor Clive Ault, a retired lorry driver, said he was concerned about the number of attacks.

"It is very worrying, these lorries carry very valuable loads, and more should be done for the driver's safety."

By Richard Williams