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Bakers Basco partner with us to tackle theft & illegal disposal of bakery equipment

Bakers Basco


We are delighted to have partnered with Bakers Basco, founded in 2006 by five of the UK’s largest bakeries—Allied Bakeries, Hovis, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, and Warburtons.

Bakers Basco was established to create a standardised bread basket system, to achieve significant cost savings in design, material procurement, and the production of bakery baskets and dollies.
 
By working together on a new campaign, our charity will support Bakers Basco with tackling and raising awareness of the theft and illegal disposal of bakery delivery equipment.
 
These bread baskets and dollies are essential components of the bakery supply chain, facilitating the daily delivery of bread from bakeries to store shelves across the UK. However, misplaced baskets have become an ongoing issue, impacting both the bakery sector and the sustainability efforts of the grocery industry.
 
They are also often targeted by thieves and illegally sold to plastic recyclers, even though the equipment still has a shelf life.

The Basco Omega baskets are made from durable polypropylene and are designed to be reused for many years, around 400 times. They are classified as ‘Reusable Transit Packaging,’ that protect baked goods in transit. They must not be used for transporting other food, which could cause contamination.

“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”.

Annette Booysen, Crimestoppers Account Manager

"We are excited to partner with Crimestoppers in this campaign. The theft of our bakery equipment not only affects our business but also disrupts the supply chain, ultimately impacting consumers. We hope to educate the public about the importance of protecting these assets and encourage them to report any criminal activities involving them."

Stacey Brown, Bakers Basco National Investigations Manager 

"Misplaced baskets often end up in landfill, harming the environment and undermining the green credentials of the grocery industry. By working together, we can help the environment by returning these baskets to the supply chain, reducing the need for more plastic production.”

Paul Empson, Bakers Basco General Manager

 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 on 08000 327 323 or by emailing enquiries@bakersbasco.co.uk 

 If you have information on anyone purposely stealing and illegally disposing of bakery delivery equipment, please contact our charity at any time on 0800 555 111 or by completing our online form. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always.