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TACKLING CARGO CRIME


CLOSE THE GAP


Over the past decade or more, some of the most positive and effective initiatives aimed at preventing cargo losses have been born in the Netherlands. The nation’s reputation as the trade ‘gateway to Europe’ makes it home to some of the continent’s biggest distribution hubs and fulfilment centres. Consequently, it is also a prominent focus of cargo thieves, from individual ‘opportunist’ offenders to cross-border Organised Crime Groups.


In March, the latest initiative aimed at tackling this threat was published; the much- publicised ‘Breakthrough Requested’ research commissioned by Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) and financed by the Ministry of Justice and Security. It is a compelling, honest and forthright assessment of the researchers’ findings and its recommendations, if adopted, could be far-reaching. The Dutch Ministry of Justice & Security has already given a positive response to the research and signalled its intention to work with other government ministries in recognition of the need for a multi-faceted response. The private sector faces some big questions too.


It would be extremely wrong, however, to view this research as only highlighting supply chain security challenges in the Netherlands. This report could so easily apply to every country


with thriving supply chains and high rates of cargo crime. It would be a missed opportunity not to consider how this research can be applied across a far greater territory. Europe, at least.


Vigilant invited the authors of the report to explain their methodology and summarise their findings, compiled over a 12-month period ending January 2021…


SUMMARY


Research into road freight transport: crime, vulnerabilities and interventions


This research provides much in-depth information about the vulnerabilities to criminal activities in road freight transport and the public-private measures that are being, or should be, taken to enhance the resilience of the sector. It focusses on three elements: phenomena, vulnerabilities, and reaction patterns, including public-private collaboration.


A public interest lies at the basis of this study: it addresses security issues, as well as the breeding ground for transport crime. But the transport sector also clearly has an economic interest in this research: continuity of business processes and maintaining a positive image. After all, a good business climate is also safe and secure; free from crime.


Various methods were used in this study. The exploratory research consists of literature review and analyses of policy documents. In addition, open sources have been studied - websites, publications, news items, messages on drivers’ fora - and non-open sources, such


‘It would be extremely wrong to view this research as only highlighting supply chain security challenges in the Netherlands. This report could so easily apply to every country with thriving supply chains and high rates of cargo crime.’


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