Record U.S. Cargo Thefts In 2015?
With U.S. cargo thefts up 7 percent year-over-year during the first quarter of 2015, many truck drivers are keeping an extra eye out on their loads this Memorial Day weekend. This weekend is the most common day of the year that cargo thefts occur. Over the last few years, Memorial Day weekend has been targeted by freight thieves.
Today, many of us celebrate Memorial Day with our family and loved ones. Many people our home today Cargo thefts are very common, not only during the weekend but on Memorial Day as well. CargoNet does a great job monitoring and tracking cargo thefts in the freight industry.
Memorial Day Weekend Thefts
Memorial Day weekends have produced some high valued thefts over the years according to CargoNet. In Carson, California, $900,000 worth of electronics were stolen out of a secured yard. Electronics are a common cargo theft all year long, but especially during the holidays. $600,000 in electronics were stolen from a parking lot in West Memphis.
Thousands of truck drivers will be working through the weekend and today. You have to keep an eye on your cargo and freight always. We’re not talking about your everyday average Joe cargo thieves. One score a year would be enough to satisfy these freight thieves and you don’t want it to come at your expense.
Cargo Thefts Valued At Millions
Cargo thefts have been off the charts here in 2015 during the first quarter of the year. According to the reports reviewed by CargoNet, cargo thieves have took more than $23 million worth of freight in the quarter, a $14 million increase from the first three months of last year. The average loss value increased by $83,329 per theft, CargoNet said Friday.
Cargo thieves were busiest in California, where 30 theft losses were reported in the quarter, followed by Texas, with 27 incidents. Next came Georgia and New Jersey, with 24 cases apiece, and Florida, which had 20. The most common cargo-crime location were warehouses and distribution centers, which accounted for 23 percent of all losses.
Which Truck Drivers Do Thieves Target?
Don’t get it wrong, ALL truck drivers can be targeted. But some freight is targeted more, some drivers are more likely to be a victim than others. Let’s look at what cargo thieves are looking for.
- Electronics
- Automotive
- Industrial
- Metals
- Pharmacy
- Food & Beverage
- Anything valuable
These are just a few of the freight types that thieves target. Cargo theft is a business to thieves and many of them treat is as that.
Protect Yourself From Cargo Theft
There’s a lot of different things that you can do to protect yourself from cargo theft. First, keep a constant eye on your cargo. Make sure you’re watching your truck at all times. If you stop, don’t journey far from your truck. Do a quick walk around to make sure your truck is secured.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Cargo thieves like to watch the load, learn your behavior. Some will even follow you for many miles. If you pay attention, you can spot suspicious vehicles. If you see something suspicious, call the authorities.
Don’t give thieves opportunity. Cargo thieves, like all thieves, need opportunity to capitalize. Don’t give them the chance to get your load. Watch where you park. Certain truck stops and parking lots are hot beds for thieves, stay away from them.
Warehouses and distribution centers, be on high alert. This is where thieves are striking. Makes sense, what do you do with your downtime? Pay attention this weekend.
Cargo Thefts Are On The Rise
We often discuss cargo thefts during the Memorial Day weekend and rightfully so. However, cargo thefts are on the rise and 2015 could be a record year. We’re on pace for a record year, we’ll have to see how the second quarter goes.
The largest number of losses, 33 percent, involved food and beverages, which can be easily and quickly resold. The highest value losses, however, were electronics, totaling $8.19 million in the first quarter. Electronics accounted for 13 percent of total thefts.
Will U.S. Cargo Thefts Continue To Climb
We’re concerned with U.S. cargo theft growth here in 2015. 2014 was a record year for the trucking industry, we would expect thefts to be higher in such years. However, that’s not the case here. The first three months of 2015 have seen record highs in cargo theft and we’ll likely face the same as the trucking industry kicks into high gear.
“Truck drivers need to protect their cargo at all times,” veteran driver Mike McCoy stated. “Invest in technology if you have too. If you need more protection, get it. Drivers have lost their lives over cargo theft, you have to be prepared.”
