Cargo crime fall expected to reverse

Cargo crime has fallen to new lows, as criminals have struggled to target goods in warehouses or trucks, during the lockdown, but a spike in cargo thefts is anticipated, as coronavirus lockdowns begin to be lifted across EMEA.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has released its latest bulletin of freight crimes across the country, with 1,479 HGV and cargo crimes reported so far in 2020, valued at £30 million.

The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) has recorded over 400 thefts of products from supply chains between 1 March and 29 May 2020, valued at more than €16.4 million. These crimes took place in 37 countries across the EMEA region, with the average value of major cargo crimes of €100,000 or above exceeding €840,000.  

“Metro supports every security initiative by ensuring supply chains, hubs and contractors are risk assessed and security audited to ensure the safety and integrity of our clients’ cargo at all time. Metro have been an accredited Authorised Economic Operator since 2010”

The emerging risk for businesses is due to the distortion of their supply chains: blanked sailings, ships not calling at all ports, short term shift to rail from China-to-Europe and shifts from scheduled to charter freighter flights, means that many shipments are moving along unfamiliar routes and through different hubs and cross-docks where risks might not be fully known or assessed.

Supply chains are being stretched, traceability is more challenging, and there is a greater risk of cybercrime as a consequence of more home-based employees.

While we do everything possible to protect our clients’ cargo, freight forwarders and carriers trade under strict industry terms and conditions. that limit our liability.

Which is why we always recommend that shippers ensure an appropriate ‘All Risks’ insurance policy is in place for every consignment.