Rural Crime 2026-01-05 (1)
2026-01-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Theft from commercial vehicles has become a significant issue for haulage operators across the UK, with instances increasing in 2026. Dave Doogan highlighted cases of Alan Davie of Forfar, Taylor’s of Forfar, and McLaughlan’s of Perth facing theft risks when drivers park overnight.
Happy new year to you, Mr Speaker—but unfortunately for the haulage industry, 2026 promises to be a year of increasing freight crime from haulage operators up and down these islands. Theft from commercial vehicles is a growing problem that would benefit from there being an offence for aggravated theft from commercial vehicles. I have petitioned the Scottish Government on the very same issue and I urge the Minister to look at the matter.
While I am always happy to keep things under review, we currently do not think that such an offence is the answer, although that is not to say that there is not a problem—there absolutely is. I will shortly be hosting industry representatives to discuss what more is required to tackle this growing and significant problem, which the hon. Gentleman is right to identify.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to introducing an offence of aggravated theft from commercial vehicles but acknowledged the need to review the matter.
While I Am Always Happy To Keep Things Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Theft from commercial vehicles is also a concern in Jonathan Davies' constituency, which includes both rural and urban areas. The MP has received numerous complaints about this issue, particularly in the village of Quarndon.
In my constituency, we have both rural and urban areas. I have had numerous people from rural areas contact me about theft from commercial vehicles, including in Quarndon. As we move forward with our police recruitment plans to get 13,000 more police officers by the end of this Parliament, may I ask that we ensure there are enough officers in rural areas to address this issue? It is particularly pertinent in those places.
My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. As I said earlier, our neighbourhood policing guarantee applies to all parts of the country. It is very important that we understand the particular challenges that rural communities face and that we robustly support our police, who are getting increased funding this year and will continue to be supported by us to ensure that we tackle these very significant crimes.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy