- Food and Beverage Top Stolen Goods in Shifting Global Theft Trends.
- AI and Deception Fuel Surge in Cargo Theft, Report Finds.
- Cargo Theft Evolves in 2024 with Targeted Transit and Warehouse Attacks.
BSI Consulting and TT Club have issued their 2024 Cargo Theft Report, in which they outline a dynamic, constantly changing context formed by innovative crime techniques and ever-changing targets of global supply chains, reports Safety4Sea.
Evolving Trends in Cargo Theft
The report states that the food and beverages industry became the most stolen merchandise in 2024, covering 22% of all stolen cases. Agricultural products trailed at 10%, electronics at 9%, and fuel at 7%. Trucks were used in the overwhelming majority of instances—76% of all thefts, emphasising their ongoing susceptibility in transit. According to theft categories, hijackings were the most prevalent at 21%, followed closely by auto theft at 20%, theft from a facility at 16%, and theft from a motor vehicle at 14%.
A high percentage of thefts, 41%, were reported in transit, and 21% were attributed to warehouses. Lower percentages were reported at manufacturing facilities, delivery points, parking areas, and other locations. Geographically, the most incidents were reported in Brazil, Mexico, India, the United States, Germany, Chile, and South Africa, with activity reaching a peak in the first and fourth quarters of the year.
Strategic Thefts on the Rise
One of the most significant trends of 2024 is the sudden increase in strategic thefts, which now constitute 18% of all reported cases in the United States. Strategic thefts are characterised by careful planning, fraud, and deception. Criminals are resorting more and more to impersonation techniques and counterfeit documents to obtain unauthorised access to cargo.
In most instances, they have started using artificial intelligence to tamper with bills of lading and perform remote theft activities. This increased sophistication indicates a more profound awareness among criminal networks of weaknesses in supply chain systems, especially warehouses and transit points.
Technology-Driven Crime and AI Misuse
The report also points to the significance of internet-enabled crime in making cargo theft possible. Criminals now use AI for crafting phishing emails, deep fakes, and malware designed to invade protected freight networks. There has been an observed surge in attacks against cloud-based storage services, indicating a more widespread move toward digital methods. These cyber-based threats illustrate the pace at which criminal networks are embracing new technology and targeting vulnerabilities in logistics infrastructure.
Strengthening Supply Chain Security
As a reaction to the increasing occurrence of strategic and technology-based thefts, the report highlights the need for firms to invest in more robust security measures. This involves upgrading surveillance systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and instituting robust risk management practices. As criminal networks keep adapting, an active and technologically savvy approach is necessary to safeguard the integrity of global supply chains.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Safety4Sea
