New online information source for police warnings across Europe

(19/11/2002)

Eurowatch has launched a web-based central information source for crime warnings from police and other agencies across Europe as a further contribution to crime prevention. It is designed to notify international hauliers, cargo owners and insurers of current risks as perceived by police, together with references to recent criminal activity, including tactics and "hotspots". Its objective is to enable better risk management and preventive planning. The on-line service is provided free of charge to users and to Law Enforcement Agencies who wish to publish information on it.

Chris North, RHA Insurance Services, part of the UK’s Road Haulage Association said: “We believe the Eurowatch Police Warnings service provides a real value-added dimension for insurers and hauliers alike who are concerned about the increase in European criminal activity against freight.”

Eurowatch provides access to police in foreign countries. It works via a single telephone number that a subscriber can call, where information can be communicated in any European language. The service works through a central website and has a network of police accredited National Service Providers in each country who provide service 24 hours a day. Eighteen countries have Eurowatch coverage: Austria; Belgium; Czech Republic; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Spain; Slovakia; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom. A unique feature of the service is its capability to forward vehicle position data to police in real-time enabling them to respond more effectively. Eurowatch operates with all GPS-based systems.

Police officer, Mr Iain McKinnon, Head of the UK National Stolen Lorry Load Desksaid: “We have seen a noticeable increase of drivers being targeted whilst abroad. Professional criminals target foreign lorries because they are more vulnerable and foreign drivers are less able to obtain prompt police assistance if they encounter trouble.”

John Nicholls, Director of Loss Prevention at the TT Club, the world’s largest transport mutual insurer said: “All responsible transport operators take crime against their drivers and vehicles extremely seriously.” The TT Club now recommends Eurowatch to its members “as a significant step forward in fighting the growth in vehicle crime that is hitting businesses throughout Europe.”

Peter Vyvyan-Robinson Managing Director, Eurowatch commented: “The Police Warnings source on EUROWATCH will play an important role in advising companies about ‘hotspots’ throughout Europe. The fact that international hauliers owners of goods and insurers can now access up to date intelligence is a major step forward in the fight against European cargo crime.”

Related topics:  Physical Security   Security Services 

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