In 2023, cargo theft rates surged worldwide, particularly in Latin America where Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina reported the highest incidents.
According to TT Club and BSI Screen Intelligence, inflation has notably driven the increase in thefts, especially of food and beverages.
Violent thefts involving cargo vehicles became more frequent in Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru.
Over the past two years, these crimes have followed a consistent pattern with armed thieves targeting goods in transit, severely impacting South American logistics.
Ecuador experienced a rise in violent crimes, indicating a growing risk of cargo theft.
Thieves, typically working in groups, have used force and weapons to hijack trucks, often injuring drivers and their assistants or taking them hostage.
This complicates law enforcement efforts to manage these incidents.
While Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru saw increases in cargo theft rates, Brazil reported a 35% decrease in vehicle hijackings.
Despite this reduction, Brazil remained the highest risk country for cargo theft globally, with an average loss per incident valued at $73,500.
Globally, cargo theft continues to cost businesses billions, disrupting critical supply chains across industries from pharmaceuticals to semiconductors.
Tony Pelli from BSI emphasizes the importance of accurate, up-to-date information for combating these crimes and identifying theft hotspots.
Global Spike in Cargo Theft Amid Rising Costs
Mike Yarwood from TT Club highlights the need to adapt to evolving criminal tactics and focus on geographic risks.
This proactive approach helps operators enhance security and reduce potential losses.
The report outlined the most common types of cargo theft globally, including thefts from facilities, vehicles, and containers.
The primary stolen commodities were food and beverages, agricultural products, and electronics, pinpointing sectors most targeted by thieves.
This analysis not only provides a snapshot of current cargo theft trends but also underlines the need for improved security practices worldwide.
It calls for a coordinated effort to mitigate these risks and safeguard global and regional supply chains.