From organised gangs travelling up to 300 miles to steal valuable loads to criminals using cyber fraud to divert shipments without leaving their homes, SNAP and TAPA highlight the evolving threats facing Europe’s haulage industry.
Cargo crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with organised criminal groups travelling hundreds of miles to target specific vehicles, entire trailers disappearing from depots and cybercriminals manipulating supply chains to steal valuable freight.
As the tactics used by criminals continue to evolve, SNAP is highlighting the growing importance of secure truck parking, stronger supply chain security and greater collaboration across Europe’s road transport industry.
Speaking in an interview with SNAP, Harry Hughes from the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) revealed how organised criminal groups are becoming increasingly strategic in their approach to cargo theft, with some travelling between 200 and 300 miles to target specific vehicles.
“We’ve seen organised crime groups travelling two to three hundred miles to target specific vehicles. They know the routes. They know the transport companies that are moving them, the lanes they go on,” Hughes explained.
The revelation highlights how cargo theft is no longer simply a crime of opportunity. Increasingly, criminals are identifying valuable shipments, understanding transport patterns and exploiting vulnerabilities throughout the supply chain.
From curtain slashing to entire trailers disappearing
While traditional methods of cargo theft remain a significant concern, criminals are increasingly targeting entire trailers rather than individual shipments.
According to Hughes, one emerging trend involves criminals arriving at depots with vehicles capable of collecting loaded trailers before driving away with the entire shipment.
“We’re seeing a lot more hook up thefts as well where trailers, whole trailers have been stolen from depots,” he said.
The tactic can be particularly damaging for haulage operators, with criminals potentially stealing entire loads in a single incident.
Meanwhile, traditional theft methods continue to present serious challenges for drivers.
Curtain slashing, where criminals cut through the sides of trailers to access goods, remains one of the biggest threats at truck parking locations.
For drivers transporting valuable goods across Europe, finding somewhere safe and secure to stop is therefore not simply a matter of convenience, but an important part of protecting their vehicles, cargo and personal safety.
The growing cybercrime threat to European freight
Perhaps one of the most concerning developments is the increasing role of cybercrime in cargo theft.
Hughes identified cyber-enabled fraud as a growing threat, with criminals using phishing emails, fraudulent collection documents and manipulated delivery instructions to redirect shipments.
In some cases, criminals are even acquiring legitimate transport businesses, operating them for a short period before disappearing with valuable loads.
“Criminals are sometimes buying legitimate carriers, trading as a legitimate carrier for two to three weeks and then disappearing with loads,” Hughes explained.
The development represents a significant shift in the way cargo theft operates.
Where criminals once needed to physically access a vehicle or depot, digital fraud can now allow them to manipulate collection arrangements and divert freight remotely.
For fleet operators, this reinforces the importance of verifying transport providers, monitoring subcontracting arrangements and maintaining robust processes for changes to collection and delivery instructions.
Why secure truck parking remains critical
Despite the emergence of more sophisticated criminal methods, one of the most persistent vulnerabilities in road freight remains the location where vehicles are parked.
Unattended vehicles, poorly secured parking areas and loaded trailers left at depots can create opportunities for both organised criminal groups and opportunistic thieves.
Hughes stressed that parking security remains one of the most important considerations for protecting cargo.
“A loaded vehicle is a sitting target basically for any OCG or criminal or even an opportunist theft,” he explained.
He also highlighted the importance of choosing parking locations equipped with appropriate security measures, including CCTV, controlled gates and monitored security.
For the thousands of professional drivers travelling across Europe every day, access to suitable parking facilities can play a significant role in reducing exposure to cargo crime.
Nick Long, Head of Commercial for UK and Ireland at SNAP, commented:
“Cargo crime is no longer just about opportunistic theft. We’re seeing increasingly sophisticated criminal operations that are actively targeting freight, exploiting weaknesses in supply chains and putting both businesses and professional drivers at risk.
“The fact that organised criminal gangs are prepared to travel hundreds of miles to target specific vehicles demonstrates just how serious this threat has become.
“At SNAP, we believe that protecting freight starts with giving drivers somewhere safe and secure to stop. Secure truck parking shouldn’t be considered an added luxury; it should be a fundamental part of every fleet’s journey planning and wider security strategy.
“Through our growing European network, we’re helping fleet operators and drivers access suitable parking facilities, reduce unnecessary risks and make more informed decisions about where vehicles stop.
“As cargo crime continues to evolve, the industry must move from reacting to incidents to preventing them. Better planning, stronger collaboration and improved access to secure parking will all play a critical role in protecting the people and goods keeping Europe moving.”
Prevention begins long before a vehicle leaves the depot
As cargo crime becomes increasingly organised, Hughes believes prevention must begin with stronger planning and communication across the supply chain.
Rather than focusing solely on the vehicle or the goods being transported, operators should consider the entire journey, from the legitimacy of carriers and subcontractors to approved routes, parking locations and delivery arrangements.
His recommendations include:
Plan every movement: Identify approved routes, suitable parking locations and contingency arrangements before journeys begin.
Prioritise secure parking: Where possible, choose facilities with CCTV, controlled access and monitored security.
Verify transport partners: Ensure carriers, subcontractors and drivers have been appropriately checked and authorised.
Protect collection processes: Establish clear procedures for verifying changes to collection and delivery instructions.
Maintain visibility: Monitor shipments throughout their journeys and respond quickly to unexpected changes.
With cargo theft increasingly involving both physical and digital threats, a coordinated approach to security is becoming essential for businesses responsible for moving goods across Europe.
Protecting the people and products keeping Europe moving
Cargo crime does not simply represent a financial loss for transport operators. Stolen freight can disrupt supply chains, affect customer relationships, increase operational pressures and place additional strain on professional drivers.
As criminal tactics continue to evolve, SNAP is encouraging fleet operators to recognise secure parking and proactive journey planning as essential elements of their wider cargo security strategies.
Through its growing European network of truck parking and driver welfare locations, SNAP supports fleets and drivers in identifying and accessing suitable places to stop, helping operators incorporate parking into their wider journey planning and security arrangements.
With organised gangs demonstrating an increasingly detailed understanding of freight movements and cybercriminals finding new ways to exploit transport operations, the message to the industry is clear.
Cargo crime is changing, and the industry’s approach to protecting freight must evolve with it.