Global Supply Chain and Logistics Focus: Our Weekly Feature Article on Topics Related the the Global Supply Chain and related Logistics Topics  
 
 
  - November 6, 2007 -  

Global Supply Chain: Supply Chain Security is a Growing Issue, Expert Says

 
 

From Mexico to Malaysia, Hijacking and Other Threats are Growing

 
 

 

SCDigest Editorial Staff

SCDigest Says:
In the US, violence in cargo theft activity is currently uncommon. Instead, thieves wait for mistakes by drivers – such as leaving the keys in the cab while stopping for a break or other similar high-cost bumbles – and pounce on the opportunity.

What do you say? Send us your comments here

As if supply chain and logistics professionals don’t have enough to worry about, supply chain security is an increasingly growing problem, with literally thousands of organized gangs operating across the globe.

At the recent Health and Personal Care Logistics Conference in Sarasota, FL, Barry Conlon, president of security company FreightWatch International USA, told conference attendees that the challenges to security, especially freight movement, were increasing significantly.

“There are a growing number of organized criminal gangs focusing every day on stealing your freight,” Conlon said. “And they are very good at it.”

Conlon identified four global hot spots for logistics theft and hijackings. Those were:

  • Europe
  • Mexico
  • Brazil
  • Malaysia

What is interesting about Europe, generally, and the United Kingdom, specifically, is that that many think of those geographies as being less violent, in general, than other parts of the world. It’s certainly not the case with cargo theft, with criminals using increasingly vicious tactics in those areas.

Conlon said there were at least 4000 gangs focusing on cargo theft in Europe alone that are known by Interpol, the global police organization.

“Violence is common. So is use of gas to incapacitate drivers or others. So are bogus police stops with criminals impersonating law enforcement personnel,’ Conlon added.

 
 
CATEGORY SPONSOR: SOFTEON

 

 
 

Europe is Especially Hard Place to Solve Cases

Cargo thefts in Europe are often especially hard to solve and recover the goods due to the ability of thieves to easily move across country borders and the many jurisdictions that can therefore be involved.

Conlon cited an example of the hijacking of a truck in France in which the cargo is believed to have moved across eight borders on its way to eventual sale in Eastern Europe. As with many of these cases, perhaps as high as 80%, there was suspected collusion with the thieves and an insider, in this case the original driver of the truck, but such criminal collaboration can be tough to prove.

As a result of the complexity in criminal investigations in Europe, cargo theft often quickly moves from being a police matter to one of the victimized company simply looking for its insurance payment – leaving the criminals free to go after more high value shipments.

Thieves Building Infrastructure in Brazil

Conlon cited another example of a cargo thievery near Sao Paulo, Brazil, the hot spot in that country for hijackings. The gang had corrupted members of the local police, and built an underground tunnel capable of containing four 53-foot trailers and which would block GPS signals emitted from trucks or cargo inside.

The gang was eventually identified and stopped – after a gun battle at the tunnel between good cops and bad.

The 200 Mile Red Zone

In the US, experts note the importance of understanding the “200 mile red zone.” Thieves often monitor distribution sites with known high value cargo, which may include electronics, pharmaceuticals, or high-end consumer goods.

They will follow a truck leaving that origin, looking for any opportunities to steal the load. In the US, violence in cargo theft activity is currently uncommon. Instead, thieves wait for mistakes by drivers – such as leaving the keys in the cab while stopping for a break or other similar high-cost bumbles – and pounce on the opportunity.

Security professionals believe that the limit that potential thieves will follow a truck looking for this opportunity is about 200 miles. If no opportunity or mistake arises by that point, they will give up and return home to try again. Therefore, it’s imperative that drivers are trained never to stop and other protocols within that first 200 miles.

“Getting driver compliance within the 200-mile red zone is the most critical step you can take,” Conlon said.

Do you perceive the risk or cargo theft as growing? What are the hot spots for you around the globe? Is understanding the 200-mile red zone the major key to reducing theft in the US? Let us know your thoughts at the Feedback button below.

Do you agree or disagree? Share your perspective by emailing us at feedback@scdigest.com 

 
     
Send an Email
     
     
.