US port thefts

Figures from the business improvement and standards company, BSI, show that storage facilities were targeted in 45% of reported cases of cargo theft, up from 20% in 2020, with congestion in and around ports through to be a contributory factor to the rise in this type of incident.

“There is little doubt that the problems of supply chain disruption that are currently bedevilling the US freight transport system, particularly that of container congestion at ports and inland hubs, is creating increased opportunities for thieves,” said Mike Yarwood, managing director, loss prevention of freight insurance company, TT Club.

The change in theft patterns highlights a trend away from ‘on the move’ targets to locations where cargo is temporarily stored and delivered, such as warehouses, containers and trailers.

“The static nature of cargo in these circumstances, often stored in temporary and less secure facilities, leads to criminal ingenuity adapting the modus operandi of theft in a resourceful way,” said Mr Yarwood.

The increase in theft of and from static containers has had a knock-on effect on other types of theft. The proportion of vehicle theft has fallen from 47% to just 15% whilst the incidence of hijacking as a percentage of thefts has halved.