2023 Winter Holiday Season Cargo Theft Trends

Supply chain theft remains at high levels, particularly during the holiday season. CargoNet reports a consistent increase in theft incidents over recent years.

Theft Statistics

  • 205 incidents reported during the holiday season over the past five years.

  • Average theft value: $121,473.

  • $31 million in stolen shipments in Q3 alone.

High-Theft States

  • Texas and California lead with 18% of incidents each.

  • Florida's incidents tripled from 2021 to 2022.

  • Pennsylvania and other states also saw increases.

Targeted Commodities

  • Household items like appliances and furniture are most targeted.

  • Electronics follow closely, reflecting consumer demand.

Theft Locations

  • Thefts mainly occur in retail parking lots and truck stops.

  • Fictitious pickups are a rising form of theft.

  • Warehouses and distribution centers are also common targets.

Current Trends

  • Over 600 strategic cargo thefts recorded since November 2022.

  • California sees the most thefts.

  • Wide range of commodities now targeted, including footwear and ATVs.

Noteworthy Thefts

  • Significant thefts include tequila, footwear, and laptops worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Security Tips

  • Freight brokers should be vigilant, especially with end-of-day transactions.

  • Warehouse security includes thorough checks of facilities and equipment.

  • In-transit cargo security advises accurate vehicle information and proper sealing.

CargoNet's Instruction

  • Report suspicious activity to law enforcement first, then to CargoNet.

  • Elevated levels of theft expected to continue through the holiday season.

Source: TruckingInfo

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