Here at Kukla UK, our work in beverage logistics gives us a unique perspective on the importance of protecting goods in transit. Alcohol is a high-value, highly mobile commodity and as many in the industry will know, it remains a frequent target for organised theft within the UK’s road freight sector.
NaVCIS, the UK’s only police unit focused on freight and cargo crime nationwide
In the UK, freight crime does not have its own Home Office crime category. Many offences are logged simply as “theft from a motor vehicle”, which makes building a clear national picture difficult.
The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) Freight Desk helps bridge this gap. It is the only UK police unit dedicated to collecting, analysing and reporting freight and cargo crime nationwide. By working closely with police forces, insurers, hauliers, and logistics operators, NaVCIS provides valuable intelligence on where and how thefts occur, as well as which commodities are most at risk.
The Current Picture: 743 freight crimes in three months
The latest NaVCIS Freight Crime Report (Q2 2025) recorded 743 freight crime offences between April and June, with an estimated loss value exceeding £16 million.
While fuel remains the most frequently stolen commodity, alcohol continues to feature prominently. In the same quarter, 21 offences involving alcohol were reported, with losses approaching £1 million.
These incidents often happen at vulnerable parking sites such as independent lay-bys or industrial estates, where security is limited. The most common methods include curtain-slash attacks or cutting seals and locks.
Security assessments highlighted issues like poor lighting and inadequate CCTV
Addressing freight crime requires collaboration. In 2024, NaVCIS supported the Department for Transport’s Task & Finish Group on Secure Truck Parking Standards. Using national freight crime data, the group identified some of the UK’s most vulnerable motorway service stations and truck stops.
With the support of Police Design Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), site visits were carried out to assess security levels and provide recommendations. These assessments highlighted recurring issues such as poor lighting, inadequate CCTV, insufficient perimeter fencing and a lack of controlled access.
The outcome of this work was the Task & Finish Group Report, published in partnership with TT Club. The report calls for a new national standard for secure lorry parking and urgent investment in better facilities. The emphasis is on protecting both drivers and cargo by ensuring that welfare amenities are matched by robust security.
We would also like to thank the DOCOs for their important role in providing practical, on-the-ground recommendations.
Theft extends beyond financial loss, impacting deliveries, insurance, and trust
For alcohol logistics in particular, theft is not just about direct financial loss. It can disrupt supply chains, delay deliveries, increase insurance costs, and erode trust between producers, distributors, and customers. This is why secure parking, route planning, and intelligence-sharing are just as critical to resilience as vehicle technology or warehousing.
Kukla UK’s Commitment to Safer Roads and Stronger Partnerships
At Kukla UK, we remain committed to:
- Helping our beverage industry clients make informed logistics choices that protect both goods and people.
- Supporting industry collaboration with NaVCIS and government stakeholders.
- Raising awareness of the difference between “safe” and “secure” parking and advocating for better facilities nationwide.
- By sharing intelligence and investing in practical solutions, the UK can continue to strengthen resilience against freight crime and safeguard the supply of goods that matter.