How to spot a VOSA official and how to reduce risk of hijacking

Lorry hijackings are on the rise due to the expensive cargos being transported daily up and down the country. In one case featured on Crimewatch the driver was pulled over by three men pretending to be officials from the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA). So how do you spot an genuine VOSA official? And what else can drivers do to reduce their risk of an attack by hijackers? Here VOSA Chief Operating Officer Alex Fiddes talks us through the official VOSA uniform and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) offers expert advice for managers and drivers to reduce the risk of hijacking.

If you want to verify the credentials of a VOSA stopping officer, phone the contact centre number on 0300 123 9000.

Below are some tips from the Freight Transport Association, Tunbridge Wells, on how to reduce the risk of lorry hijacking.

1. Theft prevention is mostly common sense. Make sure you cover 'in the warehouse', 'in the yard' and 'on the road' in your company's theft prevention policy.

2. Careful recruitment is vital. Collusion between your existing staff and new employees is a major source of theft, according to police. Questions to consider at interview include: Why does the person want the job? What makes it attractive to them? Are friends or family already working here? Do they have any court cases pending against them? Why is there a gap in their career history? There are plenty of tricky questions you can ask. Do so.

3. At busy times of the year drivers may be put on additional routes, warehouse staff may be roped in as temporary drivers and agency staff recruited. All these situations can create weaknesses in a company's security procedures. Staff in traffic offices must keep extra alert for anything unusual.

1. Remove keys and lock vehicle doors whenever the vehicle is left unattended, even for a second. This includes when paying for fuel, buying a paper, making a delivery, receiving instructions.

2. Drive with the doors locked in order to deter thieves who may try to enter the vehicle when it's stationary. If anti-theft systems are fitted, make sure they are working and use them.

3. Park overnight at approved locations if possible and avoid dark, lonely places. Try to position the vehicle in a way that will prevent access to the rear doors.

4. If asked to re-deliver to a new address, always check with your traffic office first and wait for confirmation before moving on.

5. Where high value or vulnerable loads are carried, try to travel in convoy with other trusted drivers. Be aware of bogus officials (who could be wearing stolen uniforms) or distractions. Drivers may be alerted or stopped by 'other drivers' for supposed punctures, accidents, unsecured rear shutter opened doors, or someone seeking help/directions, etc.

6. When carrying high value or vulnerable loads, the FTA recommends use of a Vulnerable Load Card (obtainable from the FTA shop) to discourage opportunist bogus thieves. This card states that the driver is instructed not to open his door but is prepared to follow an officer to police station to do so. It won't stop the professional gang but might deter the opportunist.

7. Keep documentation about your load safely tucked out of sight and don't talk to others about what you're doing, where you're going or what you're carrying.

8. Most thefts are opportunistic and not carefully planned - stay alert!

VOSA www.vosa.gov.uk

Freight Transport Association www.fta.co.uk