A recent attempted cargo theft in southern California illustrates tactics being employed by cargo thieves, and demonstrates what drivers can do if they suspect their load is being targeted.
Through communication with shippers and law enforcement agencies, Overhaul, which provides supply chain security solutions, recently said it has learned of a continuing modus operandi for the pilferage of cost-dense consumer electronics while in transit.
(Cost-dense consumer electronics include high-end smart phones, expensive audio equipment, and luxury home appliances.)
This situation does not appear to involve entering moving trailers from the hood of another vehicle, as is sometimes seen in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to Overhaul. Instead, in these thefts, suspects are opening trailers at brief stops (such as traffic signals) and performing a thorough pilferage while the vehicle is stopped.
Overhaul cites one such Incident:
In one recent attempted theft in Southern California, three vehicles (a charcoal grey Kia Soul with temporary plates, a white Dodge Transit van with temporary plates, and a black Nissan sedan with no plates) previously identified as being involved in cargo theft were spotted by cameras outside a shipping facility in Hawthorne, California. The three vehicles were seen following a departing tractor-trailer.
The driver was contacted and confirmed that two vehicles were following them. The driver was instructed to return to the origin, however, midway through the return the Kia slowed down in front of the tractor attempting to slow or stop the vehicle as another suspect attempted to breach the trailer doors. The Kia and Nissan both pulled to the side of the tractor, at which point the driver was able to evade the attempted blockade and return to the origin.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that the seals had been compromised, but the trailer doors had not been opened and nothing had been taken.
The Hawthorne Police Department responded to the incident, which is under investigation, and confirmed that the temporary license plates on both vehicles did not belong to the vehicles in question. If the vehicles are spotted, notify Hawthorne PD at (310) 349-2700.
This tactic typically targets cost-dense items where a small volume of cargo can equal a large monetary value, meaning that traditional, large-scale pilferage is not necessary to drive profit, according to Overhaul.
The company offers these tips to drivers to avoid being a victim of in-transit cargo theft:
- Overhaul recommends shippers of such items be vigilant for signs of surveillance at all origin locations.
- Drivers should stay alert for any indications of being followed.
- If a driver suspects they are being followed, they should first slow down to 15 mph below the speed limit for 10 minutes. If the vehicle is still following, exit and then immediately re-enter the highway. If the tail persists, contact dispatch and/or your remote monitoring center before stopping in a well-lit and populated area to call police. Stopping at a police station (during business hours) is a good option.
- Drivers should also maintain communication with dispatch and/or their remote monitoring center when traveling through or stopping in a high-risk area.
- An immediate escalation with a path to effective law enforcement engagement is critical to driver safety and recovering stolen cargo.
