Cargo Theft Investigations & Asset Recovery
At Solutions Group International (SGI), we take risk mitigation seriously. Mitigating risk is at the forefront of every escort mission as we prepare and plan for the worst-case scenario. We understand that not every load is under escort by a security team. So when a theft does occur, having a plan in place to quickly begin a recovery operation is critical. Time is working against you and every minute that goes by where action isn’t being taken to recover your freight reduces the probability of it ever being recovered.
What is Cargo Theft
- Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have observed a sharp uptick in cargo theft and fraud in the supply chain. Strategic theft has risen by over 1500% since the first quarter of 2021. Organized Theft Groups (OTGs) are actively exploiting the highly mobile and intermodal nature of the supply chain to illegally obtain goods that are later sold for economic gain.
- OTGs target cargo at every point in the supply chain where goods are in transit and utilize a variety of sophisticated tactics to illegally obtain cargo, including strategic theft, straight theft, fictitious pick-ups, cyber attacks, identity theft, hijacking, hostage freight, and warehouse burglaries, among many others.
- As supply chains have digitized, so too have the theft tactics utilized by OTGs. OTGs can steal freight remotely by exploiting the technology that has been embedded into supply chains to move cargo more efficiently. Because most shipments are brokered via load boards and online platforms, it is relatively easy for OTGs to pose as legitimate brokers or carriers and fraudulently engage in business transactions with unwitting supply chain partners.
- Cargo theft is not a victimless crime. In addition to the thefts that become violent, consumers, local communities, and businesses bear the costs of rising prices. There are also health and safety risks associated with the reintroduction of stolen goods (including agricultural products, food, beverages, livestock, and pharmaceuticals) into the supply chain.
Why work with SGI on Cargo Theft Investigations & Asset Recovery?
SGI works closely with law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and private investigators who specialize in the handling of claims and investigations of stolen freight and equipment. The importance of these relationships can not be overstated. If you are trying to develop these relationships in the midst of a crisis, the battle is over. You lost.
Strategic Operations Center (SOC) 24/7
Our US-based Strategic Operations Center (SOC), located in our corporate headquarters in Riverside, CA, has watch officers on-duty around the clock to take your call and initiate the recovery process of your freight should a theft occur. With a dedicated team of professionals possessing decades of operational experience in crisis management and emergency response, supported by security escort teams around the country, and an expansive network of law enforcement contacts throughout the United States and Mexico, we are well-positioned to respond at a moment's notice to thefts that have occurred anywhere throughout North America.
Anyone can pick up the phone and initiate contact with a law enforcement agency or private sector service provider. With our law enforcement experience and relationships forged over time, we ensure a timely response to your problem by connecting the dots and providing the catalyst to get the right people working on recovering your freight and equipment. It’s all about relationships…some companies have them, most companies don’t.
Steps to take to increase your chances of recovering your stolen freight:
- Immediate Reporting: The first step is to collect pertinent information, report the theft to law enforcement, and continue to collaborate with them throughout the reporting and recovery process.
- Contact CargoNet: To facilitate immediate information exchange amongst theft victims, business partners, and law enforcement.
- Review CCTV Footage: If available, review CCTV footage for leads or visual evidence of the theft and share your findings with law enforcement.
- Tracking Technology: Use GPS and RFID tracking to monitor freight in real-time.
- Insurance Notification: Notify your insurance provider to file a claim.
- Contact SGI: Having a dedicated partner on-call 24/7/365 to assist with locating and recovering your stolen load provides peace of mind. Partner with SGI today and sleep better tomorrow!
