Cargo Thefts Decline in Third Quarter

Cargo thefts in the United States and Canada declined to $22.5 million from $45.8 million during the same period last year, according to CargoNet, which tracks trucking cargo crimes.

There were 213 cargo theft incidents from July to September, a 23% decline from the same time in 2014.

Despite the decline, theft of cargo from trucks parked along the sides of roadways increased 144%. Truck-stop theft dropped 60%, according to the company.

“We advise carriers to avoid leaving their trucks along the roadside — especially in Florida and California, where roadside thefts were highest,” CargoNet said in a statement.

Cargo theft declined 43% in California but was still the area of the country with the most thefts.

In the third quarter, food and beverage theft increased 20%, thefts of household items, including appliances, dropped 74%, and electronics thefts declined 45%.

The company said the decline in electronic thefts is abnormal since “electronics are usually a desired item that’s easy to sell for a high value.”