Transport planning bosses have been warned to stay vigilant after a number of haulage fleets across the UK were targeted by thieves.
According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), thieves have cut through security fences at several transport depots, before making off with batteries from parked vehicles.
The batteries are believed to be worth around £350 a tonne and the crime wave has affected haulage firms all over the UK.
RHA security manager Chrys Rampley said: "Everyone working in the transport industry should be extra vigilant."
"We are working with the police - both individual forces and the national co-ordinating body, Truckpol - to combat the problem."
She added that operators across the industry should report any instance of theft or attempted thefts to the police.
Last week, the Department for Transport announced details of new proposals to simplify motorway speed limits for buses, coaches and HGVs.
