Cargo Thieves Stealing on Demand

Highway robbers are banking on the easy prey of unattended trailers, and the black market distribution network has become so sophisticated that the stolen loot can be on a boat bound overseas before the theft is even reported.

It’s “a problem that appeared to get out of hand almost overnight,” said Gail Toth, executive director of the Transportation Loss Prevention & Security Council at American Trucking Associations.

The FBI arrested 104 people June 16 nationwide on cargo theft charges, but based on the size of the problem there is much work ahead for law enforcement officials.

Estimates of the amount of cargo stolen each year range from $6 billion to $12 billion. Nearly half of the loot is computer and electronics equipment.

Other hot commodities are high-end clothing, perfumes and even food, but law enforcement authorities say any end product is vulnerable.

Sgt. Dewayne Shackleford, an officer with Cargo Cats, a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement agency focusing on cargo theft in the Los Angeles area, reeled off a list of recently recovered freight that included plastic flowers, Gatorade, bird seed, books, Christmas lights and refried beans.

“Vehicle and cargo thefts are becoming crimes of choice for organized crime groups. Penalties are often relatively light and the potential for illegal profits is huge,” Assistant FBI Director Thomas Pickard said.

For the full story, see the July 5 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.