Verisk CargoNet reports that while the total number of supply chain crime incidents remained relatively stable in 2025, estimated losses surged to nearly $725 million, a 60% increase from 2024, with the average value per theft rising to $273,990, up 36% from $202,364 in 2024.
“Criminal enterprises are becoming more selective and sophisticated, targeting extremely high value shipments rather than relying on opportunistic theft,” says Keith Lewis, VP, operations at Verisk CargoNet. “This strategic shift explains how losses can rise 60 percent even as overall incident volume holds steady.”
Key takeaways:
· CargoNet recorded 3,594 supply chain crime events across the United States and Canada in 2025, essentially unchanged from the 3,607 events reported in 2024. However, incidents involving confirmed cargo theft rose sharply, increasing 18% year-over-year from 2,243 to 2,646.
- Estimated losses surged 60% to nearly $725 million, while confirmed cargo theft incidents increased 18%.
- Average theft value rose 36% to $273,990, driven by more selective, high-value targeting by organized groups.
- Theft activity dispersed geographically, with major increases in New Jersey (+50%), Indiana (+30%), and Pennsylvania (+24%).
- Food and beverage theft spiked 47%, and metals theft climbed 77%, fueled largely by demand for copper products.
- Enterprise computing hardware and cryptocurrency mining equipment emerged as top tier targets for organized criminal groups.
- California remained the most impacted state with 1,218 incidents, but activity shifted away from Los Angeles County (down 11%) toward historically lower-risk regions such as Kern County (up 82%) and San Joaquin County (up 44%). Several other states saw significant increases, including New Jersey (up 50%), Indiana (up 30%), and Pennsylvania (up 24%).
- Food and beverage products experienced the largest increase, with 708 thefts, a 47% jump from 2024. Meat and seafood products and tree nuts were particularly affected, with trends varying by region, meat and seafood were heavily targeted in the Northeast, especially New Jersey, while tree nut thefts were more common on the West Coast. Metal theft rose 77%, driven by ongoing demand for copper products.
- Meanwhile, theft of consumer-grade electronics such as televisions and personal computers declined. In contrast, criminals increasingly targeted enterprise computer components and cryptocurrency mining hardware. Vehicle-related products, including tires, auto parts, and motor oils, also remained attractive, with a notable focus on engines and components bound for domestic vehicle assembly plants.
