CargoNet reported a 23 percent decrease in cargo theft incidents compared to the same period a year ago.Cargo theft recording firms SensiGuard and CargoNet released this week their first quarter reports on cargo theft in the United States, with both firms reporting a decline in the number of thefts and the average value of thefts. CargoNet reported a total of 159 cargo theft events in the U.S. and Canada during 2018’s first quarter, while SensiGuard reported 115 cargo thefts.
According to CargoNet, the combined number of cargo theft reports in the U.S. and Canada dropped 23 percent year-over-year. The firm also notes a “marked decrease” in the average value per theft, which dropped from $164,185 in 2017’s first quarter to $90,883 in 2018’s first quarter.
The firm adds that 98 trucks and 119 trailers were reported stolen during the quarter, down from 138 tractors and 149 trailers a year ago.
Electronics and food and drinks were the most-stolen items in the first quarter, according to SensiGuard.CargoNet’s report states that food and beverage loads ranked as the most-stolen, but thefts of food and beverage items decreased 39 percent year-over-year. Household good and electronics were the second- and third-most stolen items.
Additionally, the firm reports that most states recorded decreases in cargo theft during the quarter, including a 60 percent decrease in New Jersey.
SensiGuard’s figures show a 22 percent decrease in cargo theft volume year-over-year, and a 15 percent decrease in value. According to the firm, there were no thefts valued at $1 million or higher in the first quarter of this year.
California, Illinois, Florida, Texas and Georgia reported the most cargo thefts in the first quarter, SensiGuard’s numbers show.In contrast to CargoNet’s numbers, SensiGuard reports that electronics were the most-stolen items in the quarter, accounting for 24 percent of total thefts. Food and drinks accounted for 19 percent of the nation’s total thefts, SensiGuard’s numbers show.
California ranked as the top state for cargo theft, according to SensiGuard, with 37 percent of total thefts, followed by Illinois and Florida with 13 percent and 11 percent of the total, respectively.
Unsecured parking areas were the most prevalent location for thefts, accounting for 92 percent of all thefts that a location was noted. Thefts from secured parking and warehouse/distribution center locations each accounted for 4 percent of the total.
