UK Bakers partner with Crimestoppers to combat bakery delivery equipment theft

Bakers Basco, a leading cooperative venture established in 2006 by Allied Bakeries, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, Hovis, and Warburtons to manage its equipment, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the charity Crimestoppers to assist in their national awareness campaign aimed at tackling the illegal theft of bakery delivery equipment.

This collaboration marks a significant step in Bakers Basco's ongoing efforts to protect its essential delivery assets, which include reusable plastic bread baskets and dollies. These items are crucial for the efficient transportation of fresh bakery products from bakeries to retailers across the country. However, they are often targeted by thieves and sold to plastic recyclers even though the equipment still has a shelf life, leading to increased costs and operational disruptions.

Bakers Basco’s Omega baskets are made from sturdy polypropylene, which is meant to be reusable for up to eight years. The baskets are categorised as ‘Reusable Transit Packaging’ – packaging which is designed to protect goods in transit and which is meant to be reused repeatedly, not discarded after one trip or dumped in landfill sites.

The partnership with Crimestoppers will help raise public awareness about the impact of these thefts by encouraging communities to report criminal activity. Also, by leveraging Crimestoppers' brand awareness and over 35 years of expertise in passing on information about crime, Bakers Basco aims to significantly reduce the incidence of theft and illegal disposal of its equipment.

Stacey Brown, national investigations manager at Bakers Basco, commented: "We are excited to partner with Crimestoppers on this critical initiative. The theft of our bakery equipment not only affects our business but also disrupts the supply chain, ultimately impacting consumers. Through this campaign, we hope to educate the public about the importance of protecting these assets and encourage them to report any criminal activities involving them."

David Crawley, Director of Business Growth and Fundraising at Crimestoppers, added: "We are delighted to support Bakers Basco in their efforts to combat the theft and illegal disposal of bakery equipment. This partnership underscores our commitment to helping businesses protect their assets, maintain the integrity of their operations, and reduce the level of crime that impacts them. We urge anyone with information about these thefts to tell Crimestoppers what they know, 100% anonymously, by telephone or via our secure online form.”

The campaign will include a series of targeted communications, including posters and social media outreach. These efforts will highlight the value of Bakers Basco's equipment to the supply chain and the broader community, as well as the legal consequences of theft and misuse.

For anyone who comes across these baskets, please contact the Bakers Basco team, who are willing to arrange collections for free. You can report via the recovery helpline: 08000 327323 or email: [email protected]

If you have information on anyone purposely stealing and illegally disposing of these items, or details of any other crime, please contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always.