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A leading container operator has hit out at the lack of joined-up thinking in relation to truck crime that he says makes the industry an easy target. John Williams, managing director of Maritime Transport, says the firm has experienced two serious incidents recently where high-value loads were stolen, but where it was virtually impossible to persuade the police to get involved. He adds: "We can't get any reaction from the police. Our client spends £10m a year with us and he wants to see we  are taking the situation seriously.

"It's rubbish - I understand that domestic crime is the priority but we are not getting any attention. It seems easy for criminals to do what they are doing and get away with it." In a wide-ranging interview, Williams also criticised the Dartford Crossing, claiming that it is an unnecessary cause of congestion and pollution. Despite the crossing having long been paid for, tolls continue to be levied and traffic slowing for the toll-booths is a major cause of queues and unnecessary emissions.

He adds: "If the government is opposed to making it free access, it should be spending the money on improving toll collection. In Hong Kong they hit the tolls at about 70mph." The firm is on course to post a £4.5m profit on a turnover of £67m in its 2007 trading, says Williams. "We are pleased with that," he adds. "We have been successful in increasing the share of our existing customers' business and beating our competition." He also says that  the firm's disposal of vehicles through its second-hand trucks arm made a positive contribution to the results.