Thefts from warehouses were the most common locations targeted by criminals in Europe last year, but technologically sophisticated crime is also on the rise, according to a new report.
Stealing goods from poorly secured warehouses accounted for 41% of recorded incidents, with thefts at rest areas, parking lots and unsecured roadside locations also making up a significant portion.
BSI Consulting and insurer TT Club’s report also found that on a global scale, food and beverages were the most frequently stolen items in 2024; 76% of incidents involving thefts from trucks, including 21% hijackings and 20% theft from vehicles.
The cargo theft report said there had also been an increase in strategic crime, where deception, fraud and advanced planning had been utilised
“This weapon in the criminals’ ever-evolving armament now involves impersonation and document forgery as well as leveraging AI technologies to manipulate bills of lading and orchestrate remote operations,” said Tony Pelli, BSI global practice director.
“The degree of sophistication employed shows that organised crime’s knowledge of supply chain vulnerabilities is deepening.”
In Europe, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain and France experienced the highest rates of theft. The report added that a rise in sophisticated crime echoed trends in the US and cited an example of a shipment of copper bolts from Austria to France that was diverted by criminals using false delivery instructions.
Mike Yarwood, TT Club MD for loss prevention, said: “Above all, an overarching strategy to protect against cargo loss must be based on robust due diligence.
“To know and trust as much as possible customers, carriers and contractors alike and to be cognisant of the criminals’ intent and level of cunning.”
FleetCheck recently warned that AI was increasingly being used in insurance fraud and that drivers involved in collision incidents should take added measures to protect themselves and their employers.
