Cargo theft jumped 33% during the second quarter compared to Q2 last year, according to CargoNet’s most recent data. CargoNet analysts expect this trend to continue during the second half of 2024, as thieves change up what they steal and how they steal it.
The new data is a reminder that fleets need to focus not only on preventing theft but also being prepared for what to do after it happens, according to Keith Lewis, CargoNet’s VP of operations. In a recent TCA webinar, he discussed how trucking companies often struggle when trying to report cargo theft to law enforcement. This difficulty can stem from several reasons.
Why is it difficult to report cargo theft to law enforcement?
Lewis noted during the webinar that there are multiple reasons why law enforcement may not investigate cargo theft or even understand the crime being reported. These reasons include:
- Law enforcement is overworked. CargoNet recorded 771 theft incidents in the second quarter of 2024. And these are only cargo theft-related crimes. Law enforcement investigates much more than just cargo theft.
- Not every crime can be solved. According to Lewis, some cases of cargo theft just can’t be investigated if done too well. This is especially true for cases in which cargo is stolen and moved to another country, as the FBI would have to get involved.
- Law enforcement is confused over what crime has been committed. The trucking industry is full of jargon. If you try to report cargo theft to law enforcement and use all kinds of trucking industry terms (bill of lading, cross dock, double broker, etc.), Lewis said law enforcement may not understand that a theft specifically has occurred. Law enforcement might even think what you’re reporting is a civil matter instead of a crime.
While the first two points can’t be helped, there are things you can do to ensure better communication with law enforcement.
See also: ATRI seeks motor carrier and freight broker input on cargo theft
How to communicate with law enforcement over cargo theft
During the webinar, Lewis pointed out multiple ways to better communicate with law enforcement and ensure law enforcement is able to investigate cargo theft timely and correctly.
- Find the right jurisdiction. When cargo theft occurs, every second counts. According to Lewis, it’s more time-effective to research the correct jurisdiction and contact them rather than just calling 911 immediately. This ensures you talk to the right person first. In the webinar, Lewis said to contact law enforcement both in the area in which the cargo is stolen and in the area where the cargo is supposed to go.
- Choose your words carefully. Don’t use industry jargon when reporting cargo theft. Lewis recommends researching the correct penal code for the state and using the same language when reporting to law enforcement. That way there’s no confusion over what crime has occurred.
- Get a case number. According to Lewis, you can’t file an insurance claim without a case number. Having a case number also allows you to escalate your case to a detective if necessary. If law enforcement insists your case is a civil matter and refuses to give you a case number, Lewis recommends getting a computer-assisted dispatch number instead. The CAD number is a record of your contact with law enforcement and shows that you tried to report the crime.
