Lorry thefts: Stolen cargo, stress and slashed curtains

“This is serious and organised crime”, a National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) officer told the BBC.

The body is a police unit that helps forces fight vehicle crime, funded by the logistics industry.

The officer, who wanted to remain anonymous, explained that the gangs understand supply chains, surveillance and policing, and have “underground networks of handlers that’ll handle a vast quantity of cargo for serious sums of money”.

They often target motorway service stations and truck stops on major routes like the M1, M25, and M40.

They slash curtains or bolt crop trailer doors until they find a valuable load, according to the NaVCIS.

Thieves target popular consumer items like alcohol, tobacco, electricals, and clothing.

The loads are then divided and sold on online selling platforms and in wholesalers, backstreet cash and carries, car boot sales, and markets.