The report is based on information collected and analyzed from LoJack’s members in 2008 via the company’s Supply Chain-Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the only source for information and analysis sanctioned by the government that helps the supply chain community and law enforcement protect the supply chain from illegal activities.
In addition to finding food as the No. 1 item being stolen right now, the study found:
• The most common locations where cargo was year were truck stops, parking lots and facilities.
• The states with the highest incidents of cargo theft were Texas and Georgia. Alabama and North Carolina had fewest incidents.
• The greatest number of thefts occurred on weekends.
To help prevent cargo theft, LoJack advises companies to make sure they have an effective strategic plan that includes:
• Reviewing high-value shipper security requirements and government compliance guidelines,
• Developing corporate supply chain security guidelines and drafting a written security plan,
• Contacting insurance carriers about any resources they may be able to offer to assist in developing a supply chain security strategy,
• Evaluating and regularly auditing transportation partners to ensure that they are following proper supply chain security guidelines,
• Conducting a driver screening process to reduce incidents of “inside jobs,”
• Establishing contractual security requirements for supply chain partners and implementing the plan with partners.
• Making sure trucks have immobilization devices such as wheel locks, fuel shut-offs, air cuff locks, ignition locks, and stolen vehicle recovery systems to help protect cargoes when drivers have to leave their equipment.
• Installing battery-disconnect switches.
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