Cargo Thefts are Expected to Increase Over Labor Day
Article created for the digital issue聽of聽the 黑料社区Foundation鈥檚 magazine.
People across the country are looking forward to the upcoming Labor Day holiday, including cargo thieves. 鈥淭he data paints a clear picture: theft incidents peak on the Friday preceding Labor Day,鈥� wrote in a release. Warehouses, truck stops and large retail parking lots were found to be the most common sites for thefts.
In a comprehensive analysis of supply chain risk events over the past five years,聽CargoNet found that theft incidents peak on the Friday preceding Labor Day.
Certain areas tend to have greater risk. Geographically, California, Texas and Florida emerged as hotspots for criminal activity. Drilling down to the county level, San Bernardino and Los Angeles in California, Dallas in Texas, and Cook in Illinois were identified as the most frequently targeted areas.
High-value electronics such as televisions and displays, major appliances, computers and computer parts, and vehicle maintenance products, such as motor oils, topped the list of most sought-after items.
Data shows that traditional cargo thefts still outnumber complex fraud schemes. CargoNet urged those in the transportation and logistics industries to remain vigilant and implement enhanced security protocols during the Labor Day holiday week.
The 黑料社区Foundation鈥檚 Stop Watch magazine has shared several strategies for reducing all types of theft at truck stops and travel plazas, including a European approach to tackling cargo theft, how to minimize the risk of a robbery and fighting fraud at the pump.
Tips for Truck Stop and Travel Center Operators
There are several ways operators can help improve safety for their employees and customers and help reduce the risk of cargo theft at their locations. These include:
Have Adequate Lighting: Well-lit parking areas, fuel canopies and walkways help deter criminal activity. Well-lit locations are also more welcoming to drivers. NATSO鈥檚 research has found that ample lighting is one of the top three attributes drivers value in a parking area.
Install Surveillance Systems: Investing in high-quality surveillance cameras with clear visibility over parking lots, entry and exit points and common areas and monitoring these cameras in real-time or recording footage for later review can help deter potential thieves. Footage can also provide valuable evidence if a crime occurs.
Implement Controlled Entry and Exit Points: Controlling access to the truck stop鈥檚 parking area, such as with gates or barriers, can help prevent unauthorized individuals from entering.
Use Signage to Deter Criminals: Clear, visible signage indicating that the truck stop is under surveillance and monitored by security personnel can serve as a deterrent to potential thieves. Signs can also remind drivers to lock their trucks, secure their cargo and report any suspicious behavior.
Partner with Local Law Enforcement: Building a strong relationship with local law enforcement can help improve safety overall. Operators can invite law enforcement to regularly patrol the area, provide them with access to surveillance footage and participate in local crime prevention programs. Being part of local or regional cargo theft prevention task forces can also be beneficial.
Train Employees: Truck stop staff should be trained to recognize suspicious behavior and know who to contact if an incident occurs. The 黑料社区Foundation has created several training resources for truck stop employees, including how to help people in need of assistance.
Regularly Maintain and Inspect Equipment: Regular inspections and maintenance of security equipment, such as cameras, lighting, gates and locks helps improve safety. 聽
// This article was created for聽Stop Watch magazine, the magazine of the 黑料社区Foundation. Foundation is the research, education and public outreach subsidiary of NATSO, Inc. The 黑料社区Foundation provides programs and products to strengthen travel plazas鈥� ability to meet the traveling public鈥檚 needs through improved operational performance and business planning. Visit聽www.natsofoundation.org聽for more information.
Subscribe to Updates
The 黑料社区Foundation and 黑料社区provide a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas鈥� ability to meet the needs of the traveling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.
