Security seminar a "runaway success" says RHA

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Thursday, 13, Mar 2008 12:00

Tuesday 11 March saw over 150 delegates attending the 6th RHA Security Seminar, this year held at Towcester Racecourse. Those present included representatives from the Police, security companies and RHA members

The event, chaired by well-known investigative crime journalist Roger Cook was deemed a tremendous success by speakers and delegates alike.

“For a layman whose only interface with the haulage industry is cursing queues of artics on a crowded motorway or spotting Stobarts on a long run, it was both an interesting and informative seminar,” commented Roger Cook. “When you take the time to think about it, road haulage is an integral part of all our lives – and therefore truck-related crime affects us all, either through a premium on the goods we buy or an increase on our insurance premiums. Sadly, truck-related crime is on the rise, but there are many measures that can be taken to prevent it.

"This seminar not only delineated the problem, but took us right inside it, with many useful tips and insights from security experts, haulage contractors and the police. And from the positive responses on the day, I’d say it wasn’t going to end up as just a talking shop."

The opening address was made by Vernon Coaker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime Reduction at the Home Office.

“This is an important seminar and demonstrates the partnership between the industry, the police and the government," said Mr Coaker "It is vital to remember that each theft, regardless of the commercial value, has an impact on the owners and in many cases drivers or warehouse staff, who face the risk of violent and even armed criminals as they go about their work.

“I’d like to put on record my thanks to the efforts the industry has made in increasing the security features on their vehicles, and in increasing awareness of relevant staff.

“I will ask my officials to explore, with the police, practical ways to improve the information available on truck and freight crime. I want to make it easier to differentiate in statistics and intelligence the theft of a phone from the cab from the theft of the entire load. I know that this is something that the RHA and Truckpol have been keen to see.

“We’ve seen the big success that has been achieved in vehicle crime over the last few years, and the huge amount of good practice and partnership work that has been done and been implemented. This is why events like this are so important. I know one issue that is of concern to many of you is the availability of well run, secure parking; and I congratulate the Road Haulage Association for their work to raise the profile of this issue".

RHA Manager for Security and Business Affairs, Chrys Rampley said: “The reaction from both delegates and speakers was that this has been the most successful seminar so far and I am delighted that already, as a result, the Crime Prevention Officer for Warwickshire is now in the process of putting together a Truck Crime Prevention Strategy for the county. I sincerely hope that many other forces will follow suit".

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Tel: + 44 (0) 1932 838917

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