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Food and Beverage: The Prime Target for Cargo Theft

Published on
October 7, 2024 at 12:42:07 PM PDT October 7, 2024 at 12:42:07 PM PDTth, October 7, 2024 at 12:42:07 PM PDT

In recent months, the cargo theft landscape has seen a significant shift, with food and beverage shipments becoming increasingly attractive targets for criminals. This article explores the latest trends, reasons behind this shift, and measures to combat this growing threat.


Shifting Trends in Cargo Theft

The second quarter of 2024 has witnessed changes in the types of goods targeted by cargo thieves. According to CargoNet, a cargo theft prevention and recovery network, there has been significant growth in thefts targeting:


Vitamins and supplements

Alcoholic beverages (primarily liquor)

Over-the-counter skincare products


Additionally, the East Coast has experienced a rash of beef and seafood thefts, indicating a growing interest in perishable food items.


Why Food and Beverage?

Thieves are increasingly targeting food and beverage shipments for several reasons:


Easy to Sell: These products have a ready market and can be quickly disposed of through various channels.


Hard to Trace: Unlike electronics or other high-value items, food and beverages are typically consumed quickly and leave little trace.


High Demand for Specific Products: Energy drinks, for instance, have become popular targets due to their illegal status in some countries, creating a lucrative black market.


Vulnerable Supply Chain: Food products often travel long distances, providing multiple opportunities for theft and pilferage along the way.


Hotspots and Methods

The highest rates of food and beverage cargo theft have been reported in:

California

Illinois

Texas


Thieves are employing various methods, including:


Stealing entire trailers


Pilfering from trailers while driver wait for the trailer to be unloaded


Following trucks to identify vulnerable moments for theft


It's clear that many of these criminals have insider knowledge about the contents of specific shipments, allowing them to target high-value loads.


Combating Food and Beverage Cargo Theft

To protect against this growing threat, the industry is adopting several measures:


Enhanced Physical Security: Using heavy-duty ABLOY padlocks and ENFORCER Seal Guard Locks. The Seal Guard Lock protects seals and secures trailer doors.


Improved Tracking: Implementing advanced GPS and real-time monitoring systems for trailers and shipments.


Driver Awareness Training: Educating truckers about the risks of being followed and how to identify suspicious behavior.


Secure Parking: Utilizing secure parking areas and avoiding leaving loaded trailers unattended.


Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Increasing cooperation between shipping companies, retailers, and local authorities to track and recover stolen goods.



As food and beverage shipments continue to be prime targets for cargo theft, it's crucial for the industry to remain vigilant and adaptive. By implementing robust security measures and fostering collaboration across the supply chain, companies can work to mitigate this growing threat and protect their valuable cargo.