A staggering 79% of all European cargo thefts are carried out in the UK according to research by transport and logistics insurer, TT Club and supply chain intelligence provider, BSI.
Research shows that nearly all European cargo crime is targeted at trucks (91%) with a quarter of the commodities stolen being electronics, followed by alcohol and tobacco (15%), food and beverage (10%) and apparel and footwear (9%).
The sky high figure for UK cargo theft is further supported by research from TAPA which showed that 76% of all cargo incidents in January 2019 occurred in the UK.
Rest areas and unsecured parking areas are where the majority of crimes are committed. Europe’s lack of secure parking for cargo trucks influences theft trends, the UK in particular, creating ample and easy opportunities for thieves to strike vulnerable vehicles.
With an upward trend in cargo crime already confirmed earlier in the year, businesses have since been thrust into the unchartered territories of Covid-19, which has presented the toughest economic challenge of our generation. Organisations must now focus on how they can protect employees and how they can adapt in order to overcome increased security risks posed on the goods they transport.
For advice on protecting your business and your drivers, take a look at our resource on Cargo Crime.