RFS thefts in Germany prompt action

A new report indicating that product losses as a result of cargo thefts from trucks in Germany are worth €1.3bn a year has prompted an initiative to tackle the problem.
Several business associations contributed to the analysis, led by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA).
It found that in addition to the value of the goods, “further damages of €900 million are caused by penalties for delivery delays, the cost of replacing stolen products and repairing damage to vehicles targeted by cargo thieves”.
A lack of reporting and recording within the industry as well as among law enforcement agencies means that it is difficult to understand the true causes and impact of cargo crime. Another complicating factor is that many thefts occurring in Germany involve trucks that are registered and insured elsewhere in Europe.
In response to the findings, the associations have set up a new Theft Prevention in Freight Transport and Logistics Working Group that aims to “to increase the safety of transport logistics by, among other things, means of higher safety standards and investments in locating technology, anti-theft alarm systems, immobilisers and secured parking spaces.”
In addition: “We are urging the authorities to provide more support through increased search pressure on internationally active criminal organisations. The police authorities also need to be more present at highway service stations, and specialist police units and law enforcement agencies should help to streamline transnational law enforcement.
“In order to take targeted preventive and repressive measures, the investigating authorities must improve recording of ‘cargo theft’ offences and create the conditions for nationwide uniform reporting of cargo crime.”
TAPA will support the group’s efforts by encouraging the adoption of its three three industry standards for supply chain security: Facility Security Requirements (FSR), Trucking Security Requirements (TSR) and the new Parking Security Requirements (PSR).