Cargo Theft Rapidly Increases in the U.S.
29 June 1998
ADVISORY/Cargo Theft Rapidly Increases in the U.S.; Companies Are Prepared With Wireless Tracking Technology
--WHO/WHAT:
Eighteen wheels are becoming the newest attraction for thieves. With big rigs, trailers and paneled vans carrying valuable merchandise, the once little known crime of cargo theft is on the rise. In fact, in recent years, cargo theft nearly tripled to an estimated $10 billion a year in the U.S., as opposed to bank thefts which equal about $80 million a year.
Criminals resell the stolen goods to flea markets, retailers and overseas outlets. The most popular goods being resold include electronic components, jewelry, food, fragrances and appliances -- due to easy resell value and easy grab. However, all shipments, whether large or small, are prey to cargo thieves.
Weak penalties and high financial return on stolen goods for the criminals add to the increasing trend of stealing cargo. Because of the recent rise, law enforcement and the U.S. Congress are quickly devoting more time and resources to passing laws that would stiffen penalties.
Looking for assistance in fighting cargo theft, trucking and other fleet management companies are turning to state of the art wireless tracking systems to help keep their vehicles and cargo "in sight." One such system is produced by a company called Teletrac, Inc.
With an estimated 90 percent success rate in locating stolen vehicles and cargo equipped with Teletrac technology within two hours or less, Teletrac is fast becoming one of the nation's leading wireless communications companies in the area of fleet management and security.
RECOVERIES:
Using Teletrac's state-of-the-art wireless tracking technology, Crescent Truck Lines, based in Hayward, Calif., recovered five stolen vehicles, saving nearly $220,000 and helped apprehend the suspect who was on parole for auto theft and under investigation in connection with 17 other stolen vehicles. In Miami, Tiffany Transportation Company, Inc. recovered a stolen vehicle in less than 30 minutes and saved nearly $150,000 in vehicle and cargo value. In both incidents, the companies were able to provide the exact location of the stolen vehicles to their local police department.
PRODUCT BACKGROUND:
With Teletrac's Fleet Director(TM) software, a company or organization can determine the precise real-time location and status of any vehicle on an easy-to-read computer map screen. In addition, with Teletrac's two-way messaging technology, fleet operators can also communicate with the drivers of these vehicles. This allows fleet operators to increase fleet efficiency, improve customer service and enhance security for drivers and their cargo.
