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Policy & Compliance


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Cargo theft trend analysis for 2018


Until recently, cargo crime has been seen as being largely victimless but, as statistics are collected, the authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about its scale and wider economic and social impacts.


The subject of cargo related crime is attracting more attention and we are starting to see increasing analysis being published on the subject. In all probability, where there is cargo, there has always been crime. In fact it has actually impacted on the layout of docks. The West India Dock in London was the first enclosed dock and it was designed in an effort to reduce theft. However, theft is still a major threat and, in this article, we analyse some of the main trends. Crime has many different aspects. In addition


to the direct financial cost there are hidden, and often more significant, consequences connected to loss of market and brand reputation. There are additionally incalculable social costs when considering that the proceeds of cargo theft will frequently finance other illicit trades. Ultimately, the consumer bears the cost in terms of higher retail prices.


Most stolen cargoes The TT Club and BSI have issued their second report highlighting trends on both a regional and global basis. In terms of the commodities being targeted – whilst no cargo is without risk – overall, food and beverages, alcohol and tobacco and consumer products account for 49% of all cargo stolen globally. Electronics and clothing account for another 12% and together make up the top five targeted commodities. Many thefts result from poor procedures such


as failing to lock a vehicle. It is clear that the traditional curtain-sided vehicle is particularly vulnerable and thus attractive to criminal gangs, who seem increasingly willing to resort to violence when challenged. In Europe, over 75% of cargo theft occurs


whilst in transit, with ‘slash and grab’ tactics accounting for 50% of all reported losses. This reflects a combination of the very low number of


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secure parking locations and the lack of enforcement resource to target this type of crime across Europe. Given the high number of unsecured vehicles parked across the region, there is little need for criminals to take greater risk in targeting warehouse facilities. The UK accounts for an overwhelming 86% of reported incidents with thefts performed predominantly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. One vulnerability identified by BSI and TT Club


through data analysis is the seemingly growing risk presented by the ‘insider’. This problem was identified a long time ago by governments concerned by the insider threat posed to aviation security. As organisations implement increasingly sophisticated physical and procedural measures to protect their assets from external threats, the recruitment of insiders becomes a more attractive proposition for criminals. The report considers this risk exposure in


detail and provides a series of practical considerations and mitigation strategies. The report highlights the importance of due diligence through recruitment and maintaining sound management procedures, including having clear procedures and responsibilities, taking up references including validating gaps in employment history. On an ongoing basis, some form of monitoring may be applicable to identify changes in employee behaviour. However, when


developing such policies, it is important to ensure that they are compliant with current employment law and to also gain employee support for them.


Recommendations The report recommends that organisations implement layers of defence, starting with physical aspects, followed by clear management-level procedures and policies. Consideration should be given to operating on a least-privileged principle, where information and access are limited to a ‘need to know’ basis. Another suggestion is that businesses conduct


thorough risk assessments to determine the threat landscape and understand the potential threats, which will allow them to prioritise and implement risk treatment options as necessary. Until recently, cargo crime has been seen as


being largely victimless but, as statistics are collected, the authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about its scale and wider economic and social impacts. The unanswered question is, will it be given greater importance when other areas cause the public greater concern?


BIFA would like to thank the TT Club for providing the information on which this article is based.


August 2019


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