Cargo crime is not a new problem. However, it's a concerning one nonetheless, given that in Europe alone, the estimated cost to businesses is 8.5 billion Euros a year. That's according to the European Union, who are seeking to cut the number of criminal attacks on road transport vehicles each year. But just why are lorries, vans and trailers such a common criminal target?
Well, first of all there's the aspect of the value of the goods these vehicles are carrying. Large trucks and lorries are often full of valuable merchandise, which is an attractive target for criminals looking to profit from the theft of such products. And of course, the potential financial gain from the theft of a container of goods is far more than simply a family vehicle.
While the vehicle is of course the major reason for criminals targeting freight and logistics vehicles, another attractive element is their relative ease to target. While it would be difficult to target ships or trains and impossible to target aeroplanes, road vehicles are not a particularly difficult target. It's made even more simple for criminals by the fact that drivers are required to stop for regular breaks and often, on longer journeys, will sleep in their vehicles.
It is thought that much of the crime that takes place is carried out by organised criminal gangs who are familiar with the most commonly used routes and sometimes are even able to familiarise themselves with the service stations that drivers will be the most likely to stop at, making it simple for them to target vehicles.
Preventing cargo crime is high on the agenda of manufacturers and logistics companies alike, who can incur hefty financial losses during one offence alone. It's always advised that to minimise, drivers should be educated about the potential risks and the statistically safest places along their routes to stop. Vehicle should also be fitted with slam locks or similar high end vehicle locking systems for maximum security.
Well, first of all there's the aspect of the value of the goods these vehicles are carrying. Large trucks and lorries are often full of valuable merchandise, which is an attractive target for criminals looking to profit from the theft of such products. And of course, the potential financial gain from the theft of a container of goods is far more than simply a family vehicle.
While the vehicle is of course the major reason for criminals targeting freight and logistics vehicles, another attractive element is their relative ease to target. While it would be difficult to target ships or trains and impossible to target aeroplanes, road vehicles are not a particularly difficult target. It's made even more simple for criminals by the fact that drivers are required to stop for regular breaks and often, on longer journeys, will sleep in their vehicles.
It is thought that much of the crime that takes place is carried out by organised criminal gangs who are familiar with the most commonly used routes and sometimes are even able to familiarise themselves with the service stations that drivers will be the most likely to stop at, making it simple for them to target vehicles.
Preventing cargo crime is high on the agenda of manufacturers and logistics companies alike, who can incur hefty financial losses during one offence alone. It's always advised that to minimise, drivers should be educated about the potential risks and the statistically safest places along their routes to stop. Vehicle should also be fitted with slam locks or similar high end vehicle locking systems for maximum security.
