Throughout this unprecedented global health emergency, many cargo theft criminals will see this as an opportunity to take advantage of the fact that securing cargo may not be the immediate priority. Several organizations have contacted CargoNet to inquire what the COVID-19 outbreak might mean for cargo theft and the security of the supply chain. We’re in uncharted waters, and it is difficult to know exactly how people will react, but we can offer our observations of how theft has changed so far and potential future issues.
For several years, the efforts of law enforcement task forces and agencies across the United States had led to a reduction in cargo theft and the disruptions it causes to commerce. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic began disrupting daily life in the United States, we recorded and continue to record a severe increase in cargo theft and the theft of trucking vehicles.
Theft Activity Analysis
The Impact of Economic Hardship
Industry experts indicate concern that shipments of food and beverage products, medical supplies, or other essential household goods may be targeted by thieves looking to exploit the crisis. This will most commonly manifest in the form of burglary of parked, loaded trailers. Seal integrity on shipments for some of these commodities is very important, and even a minor trailer burglary event could lead to the entire shipment having to be destroyed.
Uptick in Fictitious Pickup Activity
In 2020, CargoNet has recorded fictitious cargo pickup activity from at least five different cargo theft groups across the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has seemed to only empower these groups to continue operations.
These cargo theft groups are primarily using load boards to locate desirable shipments. They then contact the logistics company responsible for that shipment and deceive them into thinking they are legitimate truck drivers looking for work. If the logistics company agrees to tender the shipment, the suspects will attempt to steal it by taking possession of the shipment and never delivering it. They have been doing this by either sending in an associate to pick up the shipment, usually with a burner phone and fictitious driver’s license, or contracting an unknowing, legitimate trucking company to pick up the shipment and deliver it to a secondary location where they can take possession of it.
These groups deceive logistics companies by either stealing the identities of existing motor carriers or creating new motor carriers, which includes incorporating businesses and registering with US DOT. By the time the logistics company realizes the people they hired aren’t legitimate truckers, the criminals have already taken possession of the shipment and severed all contact.
Report a Cargo Theft
It is more important than ever to keep our supply lines secure. We’ve sent out notices to the transportation and insurance industry that CargoNet will be providing complimentary cargo theft response services to any victim of theft. It is vital that we learn about any cargo theft in this time, so we can work to make sure law enforcement and public health officials are properly notified. If your agency has received report of a cargo theft, CargoNet is reachable 24/7 by calling 888-595-2638 or by emailing cargotheft@cargonet.com.
About the Author
Ryan Shepherd is currently general manager of crime analytics and supply chain solutions at Verisk. He has over thirty years of experience in the construction, agriculture, and supply chain industries holding various positions throughout his career including equipment operator, equipment analyst, law enforcement trainer, asset salvage coordinator, and company president.
