Truckers would be well-served to take extraordinary precautions during the Fourth of July due to the annual increase in cargo theft. Thieves and hijackers are keenly aware of security vulnerabilities and know that relaxed freight transportation workers let their guard down. Based on incidents that have occurred from July 1-7 during the last five years, CargoNet produced the following analytics.
- Peak Risk Days: July 1 and 2 consistently show the highest rates of theft, likely due to loaded conveyances left unattended before the holiday.
- Increasing Trend: While 2023 saw record-high theft rates, 2024 is on track to surpass those numbers.
- High-Risk Areas: California, Texas, and Florida remain the states most targeted by cargo thieves. The counties of San Bernardino, CA; Maricopa, AZ; Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; and Shelby, TN are particular hot spots.
- Targeted Items: Thieves show a preference for non-alcoholic beverages (especially energy drinks), major appliances, and computer electronics.
- Theft Methods: Direct cargo and conveyance theft continues to be more common than complex fraud schemes.
“Cargo thieves are well aware that extended holiday closures work to their advantage,” CargoNet vice president Keith Lewis reportedly said. “With theft activity already surpassing 2023’s record highs, we urge the industry to remain vigilant throughout the holiday weekend.”
During the first quarter of 2024, cargo theft increased by a reported 46 percent over the previous year. Extending the high rate of criminal activity from year’s end, the first three months of 2024 saw a 10 percent rise from the last three of 2023. What spells particularly bad news is the statistical fact that 2023 set a high watermark for these crimes, outpacing 2022 by a stunning 57 percent.
“Back in 2014, we were taking in 100 or so (reports) a month,” Lewis reportedly said. “Now, we’re probably taking in about 220 plus a month of cargo theft events.”
In 2023, there were 1,183 reported incidents tallying upwards of $700 million worth of stolen cargo. Electronics have been the most targeted items for three consecutive years. Electronics represented approximately 22 percent of all cargo thefts. Stolen food and beverages have experienced a significant rise of 63 percent since 2022. Home and garden supplies ranked third at 15 percent. While the majority of cargo theft occurs around warehouse settings, parking lots, truck stops, secured yards, and semi-trucks parked on the side of the road remain high-crime locations.
Sources:
https://www.ajot.com/news/cargonet-warns-of-heightened-cargo-theft-risk-during-july-4th-holiday-week
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