The theft of crates remains a problem in the Dutch fresh produce sector. This includes in Elshout, municipality of Heusden, where thieves are active. We received a report from the sector that the thieves are working professionally and leave almost no traces behind. "Last week there were two break-in attempts at the same company, at difference locations. One successful, in which seven pallets of folding crates were stolen."
More theft
Earlier this month Interpolis indicated that they have seen a rise in the number of barrel thefts. The insurer stated that it is primarily the green crates that are being stolen, the folding crates. "The folding crates are easy to use and therefore easier to sell after being stolen," confirms Adri Witlox of Interpolis. "The perpetrators trade the empty crates, the victims lose their deposit. € 3.86 per crate. This all adds up when around 5,000 are taken." Interpolis hears that these stolen crates are intended for the German market.
The crates are stolen in large numbers. "Not just from horticulturists, but also from supermarkets. The thieves just load up their vans and even take crates from locked warehouses. It's easy to break a window." The insurer also notices that the thefts have little priority among the police. When asked it seems that the frequency of these types of cases isn't kept track of.
In May our editors received various reports of crate theft. They show that in May alone a minimum of 15,000 folding crates were stolen - but presumably many more. Interpolis has the following tips to prevent theft:
In May our editors received various reports of crate theft. They show that in May alone a minimum of 15,000 folding crates were stolen - but presumably many more. Interpolis has the following tips to prevent theft:
- Tip 1: limit your stock where possible
- Tip 2: secure your land or property. Did you know you can hire security?
- Tip 3: a locked fence or gate at the entrance of the property limits theft
- Tip 4: place a space detector, which reports break-ins to the police
- Tip 5: the ideal thing to do would be to chip crates with a GPS. Due to the cost this solution is only suitable for larger businesses
- Tip 6: keep track of your stock. This will allow you to notice theft on time. In practice it regularly happens that theft isn't noticed until it's too late - or not at all. This means you could miss out on a large amount of your deposit
- Tip 7: finally: has there been a theft? Always report it!