Global cargo theft incidents have declined from last year, with a growing focus on basic goods due to their increased value caused by inflation, found recent study.
Trends are analysed in the latest Annual Cargo Theft Report for 2022 released by partners TT Club, TAPA EMEA, and BSI SCREEN Intelligence.
The report reflects the united trend analysis and experience of the three organisations, providing insight into the changing dynamics of cargo theft around the world.
The analysis outlines some key trends, including a consistent level of theft from facilities, an increase in container and trailer theft, a global reduction in hijackings, and a reduction in international losses from unsecured parking and areas adjacent to port facilities.
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The report also notes the inflationary trend and its impact on the black market demand for basic goods. The theft of food and beverages, auto parts, and fuel are all increasingly targeted, while high-end electronics remain a frequent target.
Criminals are adapting to inflation and evolving more fraudulent methods of targeting specific goods.
The analysis explores these themes in more detail through case studies that examine how social unrest in Latin America, particularly Chile, Peru, and Brazil, has provided a weakness exploited by thieves. It also highlights how fraudulent practices, like fictitious pickups to target cargo, are manifest in South Asia.
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TAPA EMEA identified a significant year-on-year rise in fuel thefts recorded in the region, driven by the impact of the war in Ukraine on global oil prices and the cost-of-living crisis affecting consumers in many countries.
Fuel losses were recorded in 28 countries across EMEA, with Germany and the United Kingdom accounting for 72 per cent. Higher value fuel crimes also signalled the involvement of bigger organised crime groups, notably thefts from fuel depots.
The report finally offers advice on steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk of theft.
“In particular, we are keen to give guidance on how operators can combat the practice of fictitious pick-ups and the threat of insider influence in cargo crime,” said David Fairnie, BSI’s Principal Consultant on Supply Chain Security.
“Our guidelines are extensive and they can help to reduce risk and enhance the overall security and resilience of the supply chain. However, it’s important to recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.”
The company successfully tested the Certified Pick up (CPu) software in collaboration with NxtPort, and with Belgium logistics companies Katoen Natie and Van More.
