FreightWatch recorded 82 theft incidents for the month of December; the highest number of cargo thefts ever reported in a single month. 

California, Florida and Texas accounted the highest number of cargo theft incidents. There were 23 theft incidents in California, 13 in Texas and 10 in Florida.

By commodity, the food and drink industry suffered the highest volume of losses with 19.  Electronics and Auto Parts continue to remain high with 15 and 11 thefts respectively.  FreightWatch also recorded three thefts in the pharmaceutical sector.

By location, truck stops topped the list with 18 theft incidents recorded, while DC/Terminal lots (secured and unsecured) combined for 22.

 
To view this report, which includes a list of recorded cargo theft incidents for September, as well as graphs depicting cargo theft trends over the past 12 months: click here.

Additionally, stay tuned for the FreightWatch 2009 Annual Cargo Theft Review which will be published later this month.

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

Description: A full truckload of computers was stolen from the Pilot truck stop on Lamar Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, between 2pm and 5:30pm on Saturday, December 19.

The trailer had an onboard/external GPS system that was disabled by the criminals at approximately 6pm.  

Two notable points about this theft:

·    This same truck stop experienced an electronics FTL theft where an onboard/external GPS system was disabled by the cargo thieves earlier this year.
·    This shipment originated in California, but was stolen in Memphis.  There have been multiple other electronics loads originating west (Texas, Mexico, etc) which have been stolen in the Memphis area.

FWI Recommendation: While it is difficult to determine if these points are more than just mere coincidence, shippers should take note of such trends and ensure common best practices are followed to ensure they do not become the next victim, such as preventing loads from being left unattended at truck stops, two man teams for high value shipments and adequate cargo security layers.

***Holiday Awareness***

Shipper, manufacturers and transportation providers must remain aware of the increased security risks during the upcoming holiday season.

Holidays can cause long delays for drivers attempting to deliver loads. These delays will increase the risk to drivers and loads in-transit by leaving them vulnerable for longer periods of time.

FreightWatch and other cargo theft tracking organizations have seen continuing cargo theft activity, specifically targeting electronics, pharmaceuticals and other high end products.  Shippers of these commodities in particular should avoid putting any loads on the road that will not travel directly to their destination.

FreightWatch recommends drivers remain vigilant and maintain communication with their dispatch when stopped at high risk areas such as truck stops and rest areas.  Loads should not be dropped or left unattended for any reason.

For warehousing operations, ensure your security alarm systems are functioning properly.  FreightWatch also recommends the following:

·    Treat all alarm trouble signals as an intrusion alarm
·    Do not rely on a backup (cellular/radio) system
·    If primary alarm fails assign security officer to patrol facility exterior.
 
© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com

In November 2009, FreightWatch recorded 28 cargo theft incidents, including four attempted theft incidents.  The State of Mexico (surrounding Mexico City) led the month with six incidents, while Puebla and Coahuila followed closely behind with five thefts and three thefts respectively.

While FreightWatch acknowledges cargo theft rates in Mexico far exceed the statistics included in this report, incidents listed are those collected and verified by FreightWatch Mexico.

Of note is the disparity between Mexico and the United States with regards to the methods utilized by cargo thieves.  While cargo theft is almost exclusively a non-violent crime in the US, in Mexico hijackings are the norm, accounting for 19 of the 28 recorded theft incidents.

By commodity, there were four thefts containing building/industrial, home/garden and food/drinks each.  FreightWatch recorded three electronics thefts and one pharmaceutical theft.   

One trend of note is that the majority of the thefts and attempts continue to occur on approach to or within major metropolitan areas. Cargo thieves are targeting larger loads and seem to prefer mid-size and larger cities where they can escape easier and dispose of their loads in local markets without having to travel extended distances to do so.

In several attempts, the shipments were evidently tailed from origin and in an increasingly worrisome quantity, some branch of the authorities appear to be involved or assisting the cargo thieves.

 
To view this report, which includes a list of recorded cargo theft incidents in Mexico for the month of November click here.

© 2009 FreightWatch International (USA)

Source: www.freightwatchusa.com