Haulier eliminates stowaway attempts with CCTV10 April 2014

Haulage firm Brian Yeardley Continental says it has eliminated attempted vehicle break-ins by illegal immigrants, since installing SmartWitness CCTV cameras and warning signs that cameras are in use.

Managing director Kevin Hopper says the firm has also achieved a threefold payback on its investment, thanks to lower insurance premiums.

The Wakefield-based company fitted the devices in its 43-strong lorry fleet and eight company cars last year, with stickers warning that CCTV is in operation.

Hopper decided to install the cameras after becoming increasingly concerned about the number of illegal immigrants trying to stowaway in his vehicles, particularly at ports such as Calais.

"Last year we did over 5,000 crossing both ways across the English Channel and in 2012 we had a total of five immigrants found in our trailers," he says.

"Since installing the SmartWitness cameras [in May last year], we haven't had any incidents."

The devices cost £7,000 and, after the number of stowaways last year fell to zero, Brian Yeardley's insurance bill has fallen from £135,000 to £110,000.

"Our vehicles are used to transport hazardous chemicals all over Europe and so insurers are much happier to know that we are much less likely to have illegal immigrants breaking into the trailers where there are potentially dangerous chemicals," Hopper adds.

"I would have been happy if the bill had gone down by £5,000, but I never expected it would reduce by £25,900."

The Home Office can impose a fine on operators of up to £2,000 for each person found travelling illegally to the UK inside their vehicles, whether or not the driver is aware of their presence.

Author
Laura Cork

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