With cargo thefts on the rise in North America and across the globe, distribution centers and warehouses continue to be targeted by criminals. How can these businesses secure their high value inventory and protect their bottom line.
Cargo thefts continue in 2023
Distribution centers, warehouses, and cargo trailers are a critical part of the supply chain across North Anerica and around the globe. Supply chains are logistically complex, with many moving parts and people part of the distribution process. Inventory stored within these properties and in cargo containers are often expensive and difficult to replace – the theft of which creates a ripple effect across the supply chain and to the cargo’s end destinations.
In April, $20 million worth of high value goods were stolen from an airport. This included a large of amount of gold as well as other items worth a hefty price tag. The level of sophistication and organization that went into pulling off such a heist highlights how cargo theft has become a major issue. (1)
Regional Police recenlty concluded an investigation into the surge of cargo thefts across the Greater Toronto Area. A total of $1.65 million dollars worth of goods stored inside cargo trailers has been stolen just since December 2022. In several raids, Police recovered eight tractor-trailers, six full cargo loads, and a variety of vehicles that were used to transport the stolen goods. (2)
It’s not just cargo handlers that are feeling the negative affects of theft. In another instance, law enforcement recovered a cargo trailer containing firearms and other items that had been stolen. Thieves had detached the trailer from the transport truck, attached it to another vehicle, and made a clean getaway. (3)
A startling statistic...
What’s especially alarming is these are not isolated incidents. Cargo theft in the US and Canada increased by 15% in 2022, with a total of 1,778 recorded thefts. The stolen inventory runs the gamut from large vehicles, to electronics, to household furniture — and the top targeted locations included warehouses and distribution centers. (4)
The resulting supply chain disruptions create a major concern for businesses that are victims of the thefts, as well as businesses relying on these supply chains to stock their inventory. The rising rate of inflation only worsened the situation — increasing the cost of specific goods, ranging from food and beverages to even laundry soap, making them a potential target for thieves.(5)
A proactive approach to security deters crime and mitigates risk.
What can be done to protect your facility from cargo theft?
Live Remote Video Monitoring
Locations that house cargo and inventory, like warehouse or distribution centers, require a security solution that covers all angles. Warehouses are large properties requiring proper surveillance of many areas. Our modular and fully customizable Video Security Units make establishing security easy, regardless of the specific needs of a site.
The unit operates with several different elements working in tandem to create perimeter coverage — including two high-res stationary cameras and a high-res PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera that can zoom in on the action and capture high quality images, providing evidence if a theft occurs.
Camera surveillance is provided by our Remote Video Monitoring team from our UL & ULC Certified facility, who keep an eye on the site to provide full protection and security of valuable cargo.
syncroDetect Wireless Alarm System
Depending on the site and its needs, an additional layer of security may be required. Distribution centers and warehouses contain various areas within their floor plan that require additional security coverage to prevent the theft of cargo and inventory.
Wireless Door and Window contact sensors, and Indoor Motion Detectors provide the ability to secure shipping containers, warehouses, and storage trailers with a supplementary layer of security that integrates with our Remote Security Monitoring technology. The syncroDetect alarm system is a robust solution that can aid in theft prevention.
Cellular Technology
Our security units operate independently in a completely wireless environment, removing the need for distribution centers and warehouses to provide traditional, hardwired internet service for a security system.
Our proprietary cellular platform offers continuous operation, even in the event that another unit in the security chain fails, mitigating the single point of failure inherent in systems relying on traditional internet. It also allows for quick installation because no existing internet infrastructure is required, allowing our system to be up and running within minutes.
Video Review and Investigations
The ability to review security footage is key to quickly accessing evidence and preventing future losses. If there is an incident of theft, our Investigations team can review video footage archives to get a complete picture of what occurred.
Our cameras record 24/7, even outside of standard monitoring hours. The ability to monitor a site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is essential when dealing with high traffic warehouses and distribution locations. Our high quality footage can assist businesses and law enforcement with collecting video evidence to support investigations, providing the necessary information to help crack a case.
syncroReports Security Reporting Dashboard
The syncroReports dashboard allows clients to view their video feeds in real time, as well as access log reports, incident reports, security statistics, and more. Distribution centers experience a lot of traffic — employees, delivery drivers, and other people who might enter and exit the site.
syncroReports is also a great management tool, providing a view to track deliveries, truck arrivals and departures, and more. The live monitoring feed also provides immediate access to log reports with observations and notes collected by our Live Operators.
Cargo theft is on the rise, and thieves continue to conceive new ways to gain access to precious cargo and resources at distribution centers and warehouses. Through proactive security solutions, these assets can be protected to ensure operations run smoothly, and protect the supply chain.
Resources:
- “Air Canada was handling $20M in goods stolen in heist at Toronto Pearson Airport, source says”, Sean Davidson, CTV News, April 21, 2023
- “1.6 million cargo trailer theft bust nets charges for men from Mississauga, Brampton”, Liam McConnell, Insauga.com, April 18, 2023
- “Tip leads to recovery of cargo trailer”, Noel Edey, Cochrane Now, April 23, 2023
- “How much cargo theft rose in 2022”, Alyssa DiSabatino, Canadian Underwriter, January 16, 2023
- “Inflation helping boost cargo theft rebound in Canada, US”, Timothy Renshaw, Business Intelligence for B.C., March 2, 2023