Dutch truckers often targeted by foreign gangs in cargo robberies: report

The number of robberies from trucks in the Netherlands is increasing explosively.In the first three months of this year there were 136 cases of trucks' cargo being stolen, a 46 percent increase compared to the same period last year, AD reports based on figures from the National Police.

According to the police, foreign gangs are responsible for most of these robberies. There have even been a few cases of cargo being stolen while the truck is moving.

Very few of the thefts are reported to the police. Truck drivers often have no time to stop at a police station and have little confidence about the police's knowledge of this type of crime, according to the newspaper. In an effort to encourage reports, the police set up a special hotline where truck drivers can report cargo thefts 24/7 without having to stop at a police station.

Dutch transports and logistics organization TLN estimates that the damage of cargo thefts amounts to about 350 million euros a year. According to TLN, companies often feel that nothing is done about their reports.