The July 4th holiday week is approaching, and with it comes increased risk of cargo theft, warns CargoNet, a prominent theft prevention network. The organization has identified this period as particularly dangerous for the logistics industry due to extended business closures, which present lucrative opportunities for cargo thieves.
“Cargo thieves are well aware that extended holiday closures work to their advantage,” stressed Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations at CargoNet. “With theft activity already surpassing 2023’s record highs, we urge the industry to remain vigilant throughout the holiday weekend.”
Key Findings From CargoNet’s Data
CargoNet’s analysis of 174 recorded thefts during July 1–7 over the past five years highlights the following disturbing trends:
- Peak Risk Days: Cargo theft rates notably spike on July 1st and 2nd. These days see numerous loaded vehicles left unattended prior to the holiday.
- Rising Theft Activity: Even though 2023 marked a year of record theft rates, 2024 is already on track to exceed those numbers.
- High-Risk Locations: States facing frequent targeting include California, Texas, and Florida. Specific counties like San Bernardino (CA), Maricopa (AZ), Dallas (TX), Los Angeles (CA), and Shelby (TN) are particularly theft-prone hotspots.
- Preferred Targets: Criminals show a marked preference for high-demand goods, such as non-alcoholic drinks (especially energy drinks), major appliances, and computer electronics.
- Theft Methods: Cargo theft and direct vehicle theft remain more commonly executed than elaborate fraud schemes.
Examples of Past Theft Incidents
Previous July 4th weeks have seen significant losses, including:
- $439,895 in medical supplies – Davenport, FL
- $352,000 of computer electronics – San Francisco, CA
- $314,191 of computer electronics – Commerce, CA
- $180,000 worth of meat products – Georgetown, TX
- $180,000 worth of ATVs – Savannah, GA
What You Can Do to Mitigate Risk
CargoNet advises companies to reinforce security measures during this critical time. From employing GPS tracking devices to avoiding unattended storage and verifying hiring credentials, proactive steps can minimize vulnerabilities during the holiday.
Logistics stakeholders, don’t ignore these warning signs. Ensure your cargo and operations are safeguarded as the July 4th holiday nears.
Image &Source: The Trucker
