Theft from parked trucks is not new, but 2026 has brought a clear wave of diesel theft in several European countries, on top of cargo crime. Here is what the latest figures say, why the place where you stop matters, and the simple habits that reduce the risk.
What the 2026 figures say
TAPA EMEA, the association of companies that protect goods in transit, publishes every month the cargo crimes reported to it. A few recent figures:
- In July 2026, TAPA EMEA recorded 1,077 cargo crime incidents in 53 countries. Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom had the most incidents.
- Over the 18 months to 30 June 2026, it recorded 58,661 incidents. Only 7.8% of them came with a declared loss value, and these alone add up to more than 1 billion euros.
These are incidents reported to TAPA, not all thefts: many are never reported, and most come without a value.
The European Commission has also measured the problem. In its November 2025 report on safe and secure parking, 85% of transport companies said they had already suffered theft or vandalism on an unsecured parking area, and only 9% of drivers said they feel safe when they park.
Night is the critical time. In Spain, according to a survey by the hauliers' federation Fenadismer published in June 2026, 93% of the thefts reported by its members happened during the night rest, and 60% of incidents took place on parking areas not classified as safe.
Diesel theft: the 2026 wave
With high fuel prices, diesel has become a target in its own right:
- In Flanders, in the north of Belgium, more than 10,000 litres of diesel were stolen from trucks in April 2026 alone, and one company in five reports an increase, according to the Flemish transport federation TLV.
- In France, on the A36 in the Doubs, gendarmes found a pump hidden under the thieves' own truck in May 2026, switched on by remote control and able to draw up to 100 litres per minute. In July, one refrigerated truck lost more than 1,000 litres on a rest area of the same motorway.
- In Germany, about 1,600 litres were taken from two trucks on a rest area near Euskirchen in March 2026, while both drivers were asleep in their cabs.
What does it cost ? At the EU average diesel price published by the European Commission for the week of 5 October 2026 (2.149 euros per litre, all taxes included), 600 litres are worth about 1,290 euros. Then come the damaged tank, the lost time, the late delivery and, for refrigerated loads, the risk to the goods.
Why the place where you stop matters
Thieves look for easy targets: dark, isolated places where nobody is watching. A site with a fence, lighting, cameras and controlled access makes their job much harder. No site removes the risk completely, but the difference is real.
The problem is that secure spaces are still rare. According to the European Commission, the EU has about 380,000 truck parking spaces, but only 4,943 of them are certified to the EU safe and secure parking standard. The shortage of safe and secure spaces is estimated at about 390,000 today, and could reach 483,000 by 2040.
Simple habits that reduce the risk
These habits come from the recommendations of the road transport organisation IRU, police forces and transport insurers:
- Plan your stops before you leave, including where you will spend the night, and tell your company if your plan changes.
- Do not wait until the last minute to look for a place: tired and in a hurry, you take the first lay-by you find.
- Choose a site with a fence, lighting and video surveillance, and park in view of the cameras.
- Avoid dark and isolated places, especially for a long stop.
- Park with your rear doors against a wall or another vehicle when you can.
- Fit a lockable fuel cap or an anti-siphon device.
- Stay discreet about your load and your route.
- Report every theft or attempt to the police, even a small one: each report helps the police see where to act.
Where to stop with Trucks'nB
Trucks'nB lists 80+ truck parking sites across Europe. Every site listed on our website shows a fenced parking area, showers and toilets on its page. Many also show video surveillance, lighting or a guard: check each site's page before you choose.
At SecuriT Park, near Niort in France, security guards are on site 24/7, the site is fenced and lit, cameras cover it and number plates are read at the entrance.
Find all our truck parking sites and book your space in the Trucks'nB app before the evening.
Sources: TAPA EMEA figures as reported by Trans.info and published by TAPA EMEA; European Commission report COM(2025) 703; Fenadismer, June 2026; European Commission Weekly Oil Bulletin. Figures checked on 12 October 2026.
