Truck hijacking (British English: lorry hijacking) is the taking of a truck: normally for the consignment being carried, by force, or the threat of force to the driver.[1][2][3]
Unlike carjacking, where the object is to steal the vehicle, the object of truck hijacking is generally to steal the load, which is easier to sell than the commercial vehicle itself. Truck hijackers are normally violent, professional thieves, who have planned the method of attack, captivity of the driver, a location where the trailer will be unloaded, and have the capacity to fence the load once they have it.
Fundamental to all truck hijacking is that the vehicle is in a 'stop' position. The attack therefore, can take place at any time the vehicle is stationary, however, the thieves often use social engineering techniques to ensure that the vehicle stops at an agreed, or convenient, location to the hijackers.
The initial approach may necessitate creating a situation where the driver is more relaxed in a 'stop' location. Whether at a location where the driver is taking a break, or purportedly being stopped by police.
The truck driver is then quickly overpowered, and often placed in the passenger-side foot well, bunk area, or in another vehicle used by the thieves. On occasions, he can be forced to drive the hijacked truck to a destination dictated by the hijackers, whilst in fear, or under threat of, violence. Vehicle tracking technology can help detect this kind of detour.
Any load can be subject to hijack: it is not only vehicles that are pulling/carrying high value loads. Key areas of awareness are fundamental for any truck driver who may face hijack. Awareness of the situation should take into account when a driver is most vulnerable, being approached using subterfuge and opportunity.