The Yorkshire and Humber branch of crime prevention initiative TruckWatch has joined forces with Crimestoppers to make it much easier for hauliers to pass on information about criminals. TruckWatch says the link-up should encourage people to provide tip-offs about truck-related crime. Project manager Helen Parr adds that the service it provides is essential for hauliers to plan routes and identify training needs. It regularly e-mails members about criminal activity and Crimestoppers should boost its intelligence.
"We are really trying to promote the Crimestoppers number and make it easier for the thousands and thousands of drivers on the road," says Parr. "I don't think drivers realise it's very easy via Crimestoppers to feed information through if they have it. Research shows people don't realise it's a charity and independent from the police. I think that's an issue."
Crimestoppers spokesman Detective Constable Kevin Mosley says: "To make a real difference, we need to make it easier to get intelligence about these types of crimes to police and other law enforcement agencies. "Truckwatch members work countrywide and get to know information about vehicle crime, rogue drivers, smuggled goods or even suspected human trafficking."
Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.