Bold cargo thieves recently hit a tractor-trailer in broad daylight in one of the nation's hotspots for cargo theft.
According to Overhaul, during the early afternoon of Friday, Feb. 21, a shipment of consumer electronics that had just departed its origin in Chicago, when it was boxed in by several passenger vehicles at a railroad crossing. While stopped, several men in other passenger vehicles cut the seals, including a high security bar seal, and began to pilfer the load.
This event took place in broad daylight on a populated road with multiple witnesses. The driver was able to capture pictures of the theft in action.
Overhaul said for the past year it has been warning about the increases in violence and driver confrontation in the commission of cargo theft. This incident highlights that worrying trend in a way not seen until now in the U.S., according to a statement from Overhaul. This M.O. is something usually seen in areas with much more violence in the commission of cargo theft, such as Mexico and Brazil.
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According to Overhaul, pilferage has long been an issue in the Chicago area, though it has traditionally been from rail or striking over the road shipments as they were parked overnight outside of receiving facilities. Local criminals are aware of which products move through different facilities, which provides them with targets for this method of pilferage as well, said the Austin, Texas-based cargo security firm.
Overhaul recommends that shippers in the greater Chicago area (and other metro-area intermodal hubs) be vigilant for signs of surveillance at all origin locations. Additionally, drivers should stay alert for any indications of being followed out of their point of origin. If surveillance is spotted, departures should be suspended until the surveillance can be investigated and halted, said Overhaul.
If a driver suspects they are being followed directly from departure, they should maintain contact with their dispatch as they attempt to return to the origin facility or enter the highway, whichever is closest. Pulling into a police station is an excellent option if available. If possible, routes departing origin in Chicago should avoid areas that will force a stop before entering the highway, such as railroad crossings.
Drivers should also maintain communication with dispatch and/or their remote monitoring center when departing from or stopping in a high-risk area.
Overhaul also continues to recommend that all shipments destined for Chicago (and other metro-area intermodal hubs) not stage outside of delivery locations. It is also advised not to stage in nearby industrial areas such as Lamar Boulevard in Memphis and Fulton Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta), as criminals often operate in these areas as well.
With all theft methods, contextual intelligence, remote compliance monitoring, and real-time visibility are critical to preventing cargo theft, according to Overhaul.
