Cargo Theft: A Major Issue For 2015

Cargo Theft is on the rise this year according to many sources. CargoNet has reported 194 cargo thefts this year alone, a total of 23 million dollars. According to their report from 2014, this is up $14 million in the first quarter, and it is expected to continue on this trend for the remaining months.

These 11 steps can help your company prevent theft, as well as aid in cargo recovery in the event that you suffer a loss, according to CargoNet.

1. Ask local police agencies to make routine checks of facilities during holiday down time.

2. Avoid having loaded trailers sit unattended when employees are not present. If loaded trailers do need to sit unattended, be sure that they are parked in secure areas.

3. Make sure that both security managers and drivers have accurate license plate, VIN, and descriptive information for tractors, trailers, containers, and container chassis. Police agencies will need this information to open an investigation in the event of an incident.

4. Consider deploying covert tracking devices in product and on trailers. If using tracking devices, geo-fence all stationary trailers that are not being actively monitored.

5. Secure all tractors with high-security locking devices, such as, air-cuff and tractor steering joint locks.

6. Secure all trailers (loaded and unloaded) with high-security ISO 17712 compliant barrier seals in combination with hardened padlocks. Use kingpin locks for unattached trailers.

7. Check to make sure that facility lighting, back-up generators, alarm system(s) and surveillance equipment are all in good working order.

8. Never treat any alarm signal as a false alarm.” When targeting warehouse locations, cargo thieves tend to trip facility alarm systems multiple times before breaking in to give law enforcement and facility managers the impression that the alarm system is malfunctioning.

9. Remove keys from all facility equipment, especially motorized pallet jacks and forklifts.

10. Document and report all suspicious activity that occurs in and around a facility to security personnel. This information can be critical to law enforcement in the event of a cargo theft incident.

11. If you are a victim of a theft, immediately notify local law enforcement.