Sussex revealed as top area for HGV theft ahead of Christmas-crammed lorries

Sussex has been named as the top county for HGV thefts since 2020, a new study has shown.

In the run up to the festive season, and in particular as the UK’s roads become busier than ever with festive-filled HGVs, leading manufacturers of hostile vehicle mitigation systems, Heald has delved into the number of HGV thefts in the last three years and highlights how haulage and freight companies could reduce the chance of stolen goods and vehicles.

The new report's findings are based on insight obtained by Heald through Freedom of Information requests (FOIs) sent to 45 UK police constabularies¹. Of those contacted, 18 failed to respond, and 11 refused to provide the requested information.

According to the insight gathered, Sussex is the top county for the most HGV thefts (87) since 2020.

Other locations follow closely behind, including:

Sussex Police (87)

Hertfordshire Constabulary (67)

Bedfordshire Police (38)

Derbyshire Constabulary (14)

Surrey Police (13)

North Wales Police (12)

Humberside Police (9)

Lancashire Constabulary (8)

Lincolnshire Police (6) and Police Service of Northern Ireland (6)

Durham Constabulary (five) and Gwent Police (5)

Between 2020 and 2022, Sussex had a shocking 87 HGVs stolen within its constabulary. Included in the FOI data provided to Heald, ten dropside lorries were stolen over the three years, with five in 2020 and four in 2022. In 2021, four flat lorries were stolen, and during the three years, a staggering 20 tippers were pinched from drivers.

Locations from which HGVs were stolen in Sussex include streets/roads, industrial estates, open-air car parks, and lay-bys. In Bedfordshire, 11 HGVs were stolen in 2020, with 10 stolen in 2021 and 17 in 2022. The towns in this county which were hotspots for HGV thefts include Luton (6), Kempston (4), and Bedford (4).

Heald Managing Director Debbie Heald MBE said: “To help stop HGV theft, haulage, delivery, and freight companies should consider implementing physical security products to mitigate theft and attacks.

“While there may be the initial investment to consider, by mitigating such attacks and thefts, communities will not only have access to a vital resource, but the financial loss and impact on insurance claims will also be lessened.”