The Growing Threat of Freight Crime

Transport crime is becoming an increasing problem in the UK, posing serious threats to logistics operations, national supply chains and the wider economy – leaving businesses and ordinary consumers to shoulder such losses.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freight and Logistics reports that freight crime has become increasingly well-organised — particularly thefts from freight trucks, warehouses, and depots – and it is often carried out by those with a high level of industry knowledge. The impact is being felt across the entire logistics sector. Recent statistics show that the value of goods stolen in these incidents rose by more than 63% between 2023 and 2024, with losses exceeding £110 million, according to the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS).

What the Freight Crime Bill Proposes

As a result, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, Rachel Taylor, Chair of the APPG, proposed the Freight Crime Bill in March 2025 to address the legal and enforcement deficiencies related to these crimes. The Bill proposes fundamental reforms aimed at improving criminal prosecution and supporting coordinated efforts to reduce freight-related theft.

There is currently no specific crime code for freight crime in the UK Police often categorise such incidents under broader classifications such as burglary or general theft, leading to under-reporting and a poor understanding of the problem. Without accurate records, it is difficult for law enforcement agencies to assess the scale of freight crime and develop effective prevention strategies. As a result of these shortcomings, the Freight Crimes Bill aims to address this issue head-on by proposing a specific offence code specifically for freight-related offences. This will allow police departments to consistently record and monitor such offences, thus providing reliable data that can inform operational planning and resource allocation. This, in turn, will create a climate of confidence, particularly in the logistics sector, and allow the UK to further increase its import-export capacity in the future.

From a legal perspective, this proposal provides greater clarity and proportionality in the justice system. By formally separating freight crime from general theft, it increases the enforceability of relevant laws and provides courts with clearer parameters for sentencing. It also supports more targeted responses to organised crime, as freight theft is often carried out by well-coordinated criminal networks that exploit weaknesses in logistics systems (Fleet News, 2025). Furthermore, the Bill, if approved, seeks to ensure full harmonisation in terms of security by supporting the UK’s comprehensive and serious penalties against incoming passengers.

Multi-Agency Collaboration and Industry Backing

One of the strengths of the Bill is its emphasis on multi-agency co-operation. Freight crime often spans multiple jurisdictions, often overseas and requires the joint efforts of police forces, shipping companies, insurers and local authorities. The Bill supports greater integration of data systems and intelligence sharing mechanisms, in line with the UK government’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, which advocates collaborative approaches to tackling complex crime (Home Office, 2023). Better coordination will lead to faster investigations, stronger prosecutions and ultimately a safer working environment for freight operators.

The Bill has also received the endorsement of stakeholders in the transport sector. One of them, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and other industry representatives have welcomed the initiative, arguing that it responds to years of calls for recognition and better protection of the risks faced by drivers and logistics staff.  By providing clear legal recognition and policy focus, the Bill aims to strengthen trust between the government and the logistics sector.

What Happens Next?

As for the fate of the Bill, the second reading of the Bill is scheduled for 20 June 2025, which will play an important role in determining whether the Bill will receive sufficient attention to move forward. Even if the Bill does not pass immediately, it will play an important role in raising public awareness and shaping future legislative developments.

In conclusion, the Freight Crime Bill can be characterised as a well-timed and focused legislative effort aimed at closing a significant gap in the UK’s criminal justice system. By formally recognising freight crime, improving data collection and encouraging inter-agency cooperation, the Bill improves the legal and institutional framework for addressing a problem of increasing economic and social importance and aims to create a greater degree of trust.

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