In recent weeks the force has seen a rise in reports of fuel and curtain-side property.
In one of the latest incidents 1,000 litres of diesel were siphoned off a lorry which had parked in a lay-by in Markham Moor, in the East of the county. Thieves also struck in Newark, stealing 600 hand-held computers from a parked lorry, while the driver slept.
Many of the incidents are thought to be planned by groups of offenders seeking out vulnerable vehicles to target. We suspect both people travelling across the country and local offenders are involved.
Nottinghamshire Police is targeting the problem with dedicated overt and covert patrols linked up with neighbouring forces along the length of the country’s motorways.
Chief Inspector Paul Murphy, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Due to increases in the price of fuel, we have seen more instances of vehicles being targeted by thieves and organised groups. “Offenders strike while the vehicle is parked overnight and generally the driver is asleep .”
Drivers are encouraged to do as much as possible to help prevent themselves from becoming victims. Don't park in lay-bys as these are the most targeted locations. Seek out recognised lorry parks along main arterial routes. These are well lit areas often benefitting from CCTV at services and you have protection in numbers.
CI Murphy added: “If people see what they think is suspicious or unusual activity around vehicles parked in lay-bys I’d urge them to get in touch immediately and let us know.
“Please share this information with your driver colleagues who might not be aware of the risk. Drivers are our eyes and ears and will also have a wealth of intelligence which to share.”
Anyone with any information can contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers in confidence.
By Liz Webster (Nottinghamshire Police, Corporate Communication, Nottinghamshire)
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