Port Congestion, Idle Trucks Present Rise in Cargo Theft

The largest rise in the methods and locations for cargo theft was from facilities, such as traditional warehouses and depots where containers and trailers are being held awaiting collection.

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The changes in theft patterns from the same quarter last year highlight a trend away from “on the move” targets to those locations where cargo is temporarily stored and delivered, according to research from TT Club and BSI. These locations include traditional warehouses and depots where containers and trailers are being held awaiting collection.

“There is little doubt that the problems of supply chain disruption that are currently bedevilling the U.S. freight transport system, particularly that of container congestion at ports and inland hubs, is creating increased opportunities for thieves. The static nature of cargo in these circumstances, often stored in temporary and less secure facilities, leads to criminal ingenuity adapting the modus operandi of theft in a typically resourceful way,” says Mike Yarwood, TT Club’s managing director, loss prevention.

The more prevalent types of theft for each quarter are indicated by the 'hotter' colors in this illustration.The more prevalent types of theft for each quarter are indicated by the "hotter" colors in this illustration.BSI

From TT Club:

  • The largest rise in the methods and locations for cargo theft was from facilities, with a percentage of the total increasing to 25% in the third quarter this year in contrast with just 7% in 2020. 
  • At the other extreme, theft of vehicles fell from 47% in 2020 to 15%; in addition, hijackings halved from 20% to 10%.

“Whatever the location and means of cargo theft such incidents can often be averted through straightforward due diligence, management processes and employee vetting and training,” says Yarwood.

 

 

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