Trucks parked in isolated areas, especially when left unattended, are particularly vulnerable to gangs of cargo thieves.

Smart decisions on where you park, what you say and how you operate will help prevent theft.

David P. Gaibis Sr. thought he had done the right things to protect his load. The owner-operator parked under a flood light at the truck stop in Weatherford, Texas, and locked his truck before heading into the restaurant. When he returned, his tractor and flatbed with 44,000 pounds of copper blocks were gone. The truck stop’s security guard called local police.

Gaibis lost not only his 2000 Western Star and 2006 48-foot flatbed, but his tarps, straps, chains, wallet with $200, CB radio, GPS unit and cell phone. Without his ID, his wife had to wire him money to ride the bus home to New Castle, Pa.

“I feel violated,” says Gaibis, 72, who’s leased to Packer Transport. “I’m bitter and upset. I’m always looking around now.”

The Oct. 24, 2009, theft was the first in Gaibis’ 51 years as a trucker. On Nov. 30, his tractor was recovered in Louisiana. The trailer and copper haven’t been recovered.

As Gaibis learned, owner-operators need to stay alert, be aware of their surroundings and practice a few tricks of the trade to keep thieves at bay. Here are a few pointers to reduce the odds of becoming a cargo theft victim.

Be careful where you park