Policy & Compliance
other mode. However, theft is a growing problem in rail, maritime and multimodal operations, often occurring whilst loads are being stored awaiting transit or, probably the most vulnerable point, during handover from one party to the next. Europe In Europe cargo theft remains a considerable concern, with Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the UK among the most affected countries. Looking at the regular reports received from NaVCIS, thefts are focused on particular parking locations, rest stops and transport corridors, often along major motorway networks. In many ways crime is becoming more subtle and difficult to detect, gangs are increasingly using fictitious pickups, identity fraud and impersonation of logistics operators (see article in BIFAlink May 2026) to obtain goods without being immediately detected. One worrying development is the growth of insider involvement, either for gain or due to intimidation to facilitate the crime. All of these highlight weak internal controls and the challenges of managing a complex and fragmented supply chain. In terms of goods targeted, fuel stolen from the tank, food and beverage products, agricultural products and electronics continue to be the most frequently stolen goods. Although some increases in the theft of higher value, strategic goods including pharmaceuticals and raw materials have been noted, indicating a shift in demand due to difficulties in obtaining such products legitimately. One positive is that at least the issue of cargo crime is gaining attention, being discussed and business is trying to agree best practice and instigate counter- measures to reduce the negative impact of crime. Government has recognised the negative impact of crime on ‘trust’, which makes conducting business more difficult. Welcome steps are being taken to counter fraud, both nationally and internationally, and now it is time for all to show the same initiative in tackling freight crime, which whilst it cannot ever be fully eradicated could be considerably reduced.
Thefts are focused on particular parking locations, rest stops and transport corridors
The growing threat of cargo crime
Freight crime is on the increase, with very little of the stolen cargo recovered and few of the thieves caught and prosecuted
A t a recent conference on freight-related crime attended by BIFA, the depressing reality was that it is growing in scale and complexity and most of it is organised outside the UK’s boundaries. For whatever reason, the criminals have gained the upper hand knowing that, at some point, an error or weakness will arise and they will be waiting to exploit it. The conference looked at vehicle crime – in the period 2022 to 2025, only about 13-20% of all vehicles stolen in the UK were recovered and only 2.8% of suspects faced prosecution. Declining recovery rates The decline in recovery rates is often attributed to organised criminals stealing cars for parts (‘chop shops’) or shipping them abroad. Such movements are often facilitated by deceiving transport providers as to the true nature of the commodity being moved. Such crime generates high profits for
relatively low risk. BIFA has long supported the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) which investigates not only the above type of crime but also cargo theft from vehicles in the UK. However, such crime occurs globally, as a detailed in a recent report from BSI Consulting and the TT Club entitled 2 025 Cargo Theft Report. Evolving threat The report highlights that cargo crime poses a significant and evolving threat to global supply chains. The increasingly sophisticated criminal methods used to exploit operational weaknesses found in all transport modes are looked at in detail. Transport has always been vulnerable, but today the scale of the threat seems greater than ever. Road remains the single most vulnerable mode – the curtain-sider offers poor security and easy access to the vehicle, and its load is generally easier to handle than any
“ In the period 2022 to 2025, only about 13- 20% of all vehicles stolen in the UK were recovered and only 2.8% of suspects faced prosecution
10 | June 2026
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