Supply chain disruption changes theft risk
A report into 2021 global cargo theft trends has found a shift in emphasis from in-transit, vehicle-based attacks to losses while cargo is at-rest. Widespread congestion at ports and inland facilities has led to increased opportunity for thieves.
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash
“CONSTANT VIGILANCE is required in order to combat the growing risk divergence in theft trends,” says Mike Yarwood, managing director, Loss Prevention at TT Club. “Criminals are quick to adapt to prevailing conditions and have swiftly responded to the increased opportunities that supply chain congestion presents through the amount of cargo laying idle.
“In addition, the transport industry’s growing reliance on technology and a rapidly changing market for sourcing materials and components have opened up new avenues for criminals to take advantage of companies’ increased vulnerabilities. TT, along with its partners is committed to tracking and reporting on such developments in criminals methods of operation in order to reduce the risk of losses wherever possible.”
As the graphic above illustrates, the products most frequently involved in global cargo thefts overall last year, included agricultural produce (12%), food and beverage (14%), construction materials (9%) and electronics (10%) Significantly, many of the materials used to produce the latter two, such as nitrogen, iron ore, lumber, steel and semiconductors, have all experienced sharp price increases since the outbreak of the global pandemic due to shortages with a consequent increase in the value of the manufactured products.
The report also offers advice on how operators can protect their cargo from the theft risks outlined.
Tony Pelli, BSI’s Practice Director for Security and Resilience has produced a checklist of precautionary action points.
“To mitigate risk there are a range of safeguards, including careful verification of trucking companies and other sub-contractors; insisting on the provision of details such as driver’s name, trailer number and appointed pick-up times and background screening of employees,” explains Pelli.
“Vigilance is paramount, and we hope our reporting and advice will help supply chain partners to maintain and increase their diligent efforts to combat crime.”
Click for the BSI & TT Club Cargo Theft Report
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