California was the top state for cargo theft in 2010 with 247 incidences, followed by Texas, 91; and Florida, 66, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bureau identified 747 cargo thefts nationwide worth $171 million.
A cargo theft occurs anytime goods are stolen while in transit between shipper and destination, the bureau said.
Electronics topped on the list for type of item stolen (139), followed by “other” (118) and food items (108). All three commodities are relatively easy for criminals to sell after they are stolen, with many of the goods being resold online, at flea markets, and overseas, the report said.
To reduce cargo theft, the report recommends:
- Screen employees: Conduct a background check to screen all employees, but at a minimum, drivers and warehouse employees as well as anyone who has access to shipment information and other logistics details.
- Train all employees: Provide security training for all employees and educate truck drivers in hijack awareness and prevention.
- Consider in-transit security: Cargo theft can be either pre-planned or opportunistic, so consider in-transit security when deciding on shipment routing. Cargo theft can be pre-planned or opportunistic.
- Conduct audits: Conduct periodic supply chain audits and look for gaps in shipment protection. Cargo criminals are always coming up with new ways to defeat security devices and systems.
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