🛠️ Freight Crime

Commons Chamber

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Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, introduced a Bill to combat the rising issue of freight crime, which costs the UK economy £1 billion since 2020. The proposed legislation aims to create a specific crime code for freight theft, allowing police to better track and respond to these incidents, which are often committed by organized criminal gangs. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by a 63% increase in stolen goods value between 2023 and 2024, reaching over £120 million. Taylor emphasized the need for action to protect the freight and logistics sector, crucial to the local and national economy, from dangerous and sophisticated criminal activities.

Summary

  • Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, proposed a Bill to address freight crime, highlighting its significant impact on the local economy and safety of workers in the freight and logistics sector.

  • Freight crime, often seen as minor theft, is actually committed by organized criminal gangs and has cost the UK economy £1 billion since 2020. The proposed Bill aims to tackle this issue more effectively.

  • The Bill would introduce a specific crime code for freight theft from vehicles, distinguishing it from other vehicle-related crimes. This would allow police to respond more effectively and collect meaningful data to track and combat these crimes.

  • Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive data on freight crime, as police forces are not required to report these incidents. A new crime code could help in creating a national strategy to fight freight crime.

  • Examples of freight crime include violent attacks on drivers, theft from warehouses, and even theft from moving vehicles. These crimes not only affect businesses but also pose a direct threat to drivers’ safety.

  • The proposed Bill has support from across the political spectrum, with a group of MPs from various parties backing its introduction.

  • The Bill was read for the first time and is scheduled for its second reading on June 20. This marks the first step towards potentially turning the proposal into law.

Divisiveness

The session shows minimal to no disagreement among the participants. Rachel Taylor introduces a motion for a Bill to address freight crime and there is no opposition or debate recorded in the transcript. The Question is put and agreed to unanimously, with no objections or counterarguments mentioned. The entire session reflects a consensus on the need for action against freight crime. Examples of this unity include the acknowledgment and thanks to the Home Office and Department for Transport for their engagement, and the unopposed support for the Bill’s introduction and first reading. The session concludes with the Bill being ordered for its Second reading, indicating full agreement.