Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freight Crime

Thursday 19 December 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Freight crime in North Warwickshire and Bedworth is reported to be at unacceptable levels by local businesses.
  • The Government is collaborating with law enforcement and industry to tackle freight crime seriously.
  • Rachel Taylor thanked Mr Speaker and welcomed the Solicitor General to her position.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Taylor Lab North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Crime & Law Enforcement Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the increasing levels of freight crime in her constituency, which has become a significant issue for businesses and drivers. She notes that organised gangs are involved in stealing goods from freight vehicles but these crimes are not treated with the seriousness they deserve.

Question

I have been listening to businesses across my North Warwickshire and Bedworth constituency where they report that freight crime is at unacceptable levels, damaging their businesses and affecting driver welfare. Organised gangs steal goods from freight vehicles, yet this crime is treated similarly to someone breaking into a car for personal items. What specific steps will you take as Solicitor General to ensure that freight theft is prosecuted as the serious crime it truly is?

Answer from Lucy Rigby

I know my hon. Friend has considerable knowledge in this area, which she raises effectively for her constituents. The Government are collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, automotive industries, and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service to tackle freight crime seriously. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is aware of the prevalence of freight theft and is working diligently to ensure that there are sufficient resources and expertise to combat this form of organised crime effectively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific measures or legislative changes needed to address the classification and prosecution of freight theft were not detailed.

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Q2 Rachel Taylor Lab North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Crime & Law Enforcement Business & Trade
Context

The MP has expressed concern about the increasing incidents of freight crime in her constituency, impacting businesses negatively. She notes that despite this, the classification and prosecution of such crimes do not reflect their severity.

Question

Mr Speaker, I wish you and your team a very merry Christmas, and I thank you for all your support over the last six months. I welcome my hon. Friend the Solicitor General to her position. Businesses in my constituency report that freight crime has reached unacceptable levels, harming their operations and driver welfare. Yet organised gangs stealing goods from freight vehicles are treated as if it were a simple theft of personal property. As Solicitor General, what steps will you take to ensure that freight theft is prosecuted appropriately?

Answer from Lucy Rigby

I am aware of my hon. Friend's expertise and effective advocacy on behalf of her constituents in North Warwickshire and Bedworth. Freight crime is indeed a significant threat, and we are cooperating closely with police forces, the automotive industry, and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service to tackle this issue effectively. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recognises the prevalence of freight theft and works diligently to ensure that there are adequate resources and expertise in place to respond robustly to new and evolving areas of organised crime such as freight theft.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or commitments on reclassification and enforcement were not provided.

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