TRUCKWATCH ONLINE
| Published: 14th August 2008 11:17 |
Hauliers across Norfolk and Suffolk now have online access to crime reduction and awareness information, thanks to the Eastern Region Truckwatch scheme's brand new website.
Hosted by the OneSuffolk portal, www.onesuffolk.co.uk/truckwatch has information on the scheme, crime prevention advice and links to initiative members including Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies, the Port of Felixstowe Police, the Road Haulage Association and other haulage companies.
The purpose of TruckWatch is to reduce truck crime and help protect the livelihood of haulage companies.
- to prevent crime by encouraging operators to improve security and adopt crime prevention measures.
- to help with the detection of criminals by using communication networks effectively.
- to reduce undue fear of crime by providing accurate information about risks.
- to improve police-community relationships by fostering regular liaison and contact between the police, other enforcement agencies, the haulage industry and associated organisations.
The scheme is free to join for any company involved in the haulage industry. Members receive information from the police forces and Truckpol, a national intelligence unit which forms part of the Association of Chief Police Officers' Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, by SMS, e-mail, fax and telephone through the Police Direct messaging service.
Details of stolen commercial vehicles are circulated to members, to make them aware of current crimes and to help them look out for the vehicles as they drive. Hold ups and traffic problems on the trunk roads in Suffolk and Norfolk and information about Operation Stack at Felixstowe are also sent out.
Chairman of the Eastern Region Truckwatch scheme, Tony Allen, says, "Our Truckwatch
scheme is working in partnership to prevent road freight crime; with this website and messaging service it is another step in this direction."
Suffolk Police's Community Safety Inspector Ben Cook adds, "Since the launch of the Eastern Region Truckwatch in July 2006, a positive partnership between Norfolk Police, the Port of Felixstowe Police and Suffolk Constabulary has developed with the road haulage industry.
Inspector Jeff Anderson, Head of Road Policing, Norfolk Constabulary says, "The partnership approach in dealing with freight crime and other associated issues is encouraging and a major step forward in proactively dealing with criminality. Norfolk Police will always take a positive approach when dealing with any sort of criminal activity."Chrys Rampley from the Road Haulage Association says, "In this age of increasing vehicle crime, the RHA is delighted to see the launch of the Eastern Region Truckwatch scheme's website. This is a very positive move now utilising Police Direct to send bespoke message to hauliers about crimes of interest towards combating organised crime in the Eastern Region and we look forward to working with the police in making it a success."
Hauliers interested in joining the Eastern Region Truckwatch should visit the website where there is a membership form and further information. Access to the website can also be made from http://www.truckwatcheast.org.uk/ .
