CargoNet says US cargo thefts dip after record Q1 levels

New figures from supply chain security monitor CargoNet point to a spike in cargo theft incidents in the US in the second quarter of the year

The company recorded 771 theft incidents in the period, a 33 per cent increase on the same period of 2023, although it said activity decreased by 10% from an all-time high seen in the first quarter of this year.

The second quarter saw significant growth in thefts targeting vitamins and supplements, alcoholic beverage shipments (mainly liquor), and over-the-counter skincare products, according to a statement from CargoNet parent Verisk.

At the same time, theft of high-value goods such as tyres and motor oils, footwear, and consumer electronics saw a decrease, which CargoNet's analyst team said could point to a behavioural shift in the country's most prolific organised cargo theft groups to target lower value shipments.

Theft activity was highest in California, Texas, and Illinois. In line with the 10 per cent decrease in activity from the first quarter of 2024, reported activity in the top five counties – Los Angeles Co, CA; San Bernardino Co, CA; Riverside Co, CA; Cook Co, IL; and Dallas Co, TX – shrank significantly.

In most areas, however, activity remained relatively consistent. For example, while activity in Dallas County decreased, activity in Tarrant County grew significantly due to a surge of thefts around the western edges of Fort Worth, TX.

“CargoNet expects cargo theft activity in the third quarter of 2024 to remain elevated. Organised cargo theft rings in Southern California continue to be the most prolific threat, but theft by deception schemes are growing in popularity across the continental US, particularly targeted pilferage schemes and non-delivery of whole shipments,” it said.

“We anticipate that these methods of cargo theft will continue to increase in popularity.”