Cargo theft is a persistent threat in India’s logistics sector, affecting businesses across industries. The risk is exceptionally high when shipments move between facilities, as trucks become vulnerable to various theft tactics. While cargo theft is often associated with developing economies, even highly advanced nations like the United States are witnessing record-high incidents, highlighting the global nature of this challenge.
In 2019, 64 percent of all cargo thefts across the Asia-Pacific region happened in India.
In India, cargo theft occurs in multiple ways, ranging from outright hijacking to more sophisticated methods involving deception and insider collaboration. Common tactics include:
- Hijacking: Criminals intercept trucks mid-transit, often using force or intimidation to seize control of valuable shipments.
- Fictitious Pickups: Fraudulent operators pose as legitimate carriers, using fake credentials to collect cargo from warehouses, never to be seen again.
- Theft During Transit Stops: Goods are stolen while vehicles are parked at rest areas, fuel stations, or overnight stops, exploiting security lapses.
- Insider Collusion: Employees or third-party personnel with access to shipment details collaborate with criminals to facilitate theft.
- Tampering with Security Seals: Thieves manipulate or replace seals to access cargo without immediate detection, often stealing portions of the shipment while leaving containers intact to avoid suspicion.
These theft methods lead to direct financial losses, disrupt supply chains, delay deliveries, and erode trust in logistics operations. Addressing this issue requires a proactive approach, leveraging technology, stricter security protocols, and industry collaboration to mitigate risks.
Northern India: This region has reported the highest cargo thefts. Notably, Uttar Pradesh accounted for approximately 25% of the reported incidents. According to Lynkit’s own data, Madhya Pradesh has however been the highest, with a large number of in transit and high speed hijackings.
Cargo Theft Landscape in India (Trends & Insights)
1. Cargo Theft Trends & Data
- The global rise in cargo theft has been evident, with reports showing a nearly 46% spike in theft incidents in early 2024 compared to the previous year. This trend indicates an increasing need for robust security measures in supply chains.
- India has witnessed a history of large-scale cargo theft, with incidents such as criminals breaching high-value shipments through hijacking and organized robberies. Recent cases highlight continued vulnerabilities in rail and road transportation networks, particularly in regions with high cargo movement.
2. Industries Most Affected
- Food & Beverage: Cargo theft in this sector has become more frequent, accounting for over 20% of reported incidents. This increase suggests that perishable and high-demand goods are prime targets for organized theft rings.
- Electronics & High-Value Goods: Due to their resale value, electronic items remain highly sought after by cargo thieves. The theft of industrial materials, such as metals and textiles, is also rising, contributing to significant financial losses for manufacturers and distributors.
- Given their ease of resale, thieves primarily target fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts.
- Industrial materials, including construction and textiles, are frequently stolen, particularly from unattended storage yards and transit hubs.
3. Common Methods Used in Cargo Theft
- Hijacking & Physical Theft: Criminal groups continue to exploit weak points in cargo transport, such as unsecured trucks and railway shipments, using tactics like forced entry and roadside hijackings.
- Insider Collusion: Cases of theft facilitated by employees within the supply chain, whether truck drivers, warehouse personnel, or logistics partners, highlight the risks of internal security breaches.
- Cyber Fraud & Document Manipulation: Digital scams, including fake pickup orders and falsified cargo documentation, are emerging as a growing threat, making cybersecurity an essential component of theft prevention.
The Path Forward for Secure Cargo Operations
Cargo theft and supply chain security threats are growing concerns for businesses worldwide. As criminals develop more sophisticated methods, companies must adopt a comprehensive, technology-driven security approach to protect their assets and ensure smooth operations.
Lynktrac offers a holistic cargo security and tracking ecosystem designed to tackle modern challenges. It provides advanced driver and vehicle management solutions, asset tracking, security, analytics, and real-time monitoring.
Driver and Vehicle Management
Lynktrac’s driver and vehicle management system enhances security by ensuring complete control over driver assignments, vehicle tracking, and performance monitoring.
- Assign drivers to specific shipments with secure KYC storage and performance tracking.
- Monitor overspeeding, harsh driving, and other critical metrics using GPS accuracy and optional Bluetooth sensor integration.
- Get AI-powered ADAS and DMS alerts for collision warnings, driver distractions, and unsafe behaviors like smoking and mobile phone use.
- Use biometric authenticated vehicle ignition control
Comprehensive Asset Tracking
Keeping track of all moving assets is crucial in preventing unauthorized diversions and theft. Lynktrac’s multi-modal tracking technology ensures complete visibility across transportation networks.
- Track trucks, trains, containers, tankers, and more using GPS, vision-based monitoring, and IoT sensors.
- You can view complete vehicle movement history between specific dates, with color-coded alerts for key events like overspeeding and excessive stoppages.
- Seamless integration with ERPs, warehouse, and transport management systems for streamlined logistics operations.
Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting
Data-driven insights empower businesses to optimize operations and mitigate risks.
- Trip analytics track journey time, stoppages, and speed performance.
- Automated reports tailored to business needs, covering driver behavior, vehicle efficiency, and trip performance.
Real-Time Alerts and Configurable Notifications
Immediate notifications help businesses act swiftly in case of disruptions or security breaches.
- Instant alerts via SMS, email, and push notifications for critical events.
Customizable alert settings to match operational needs. - Ability to brand alerts with company logos and tailor notification templates.
- Consignment & fleet separation detection to prevent unauthorized diversions.
Trip Sharing and Analytics
- Providing real-time tracking access enhances transparency and security.
- Live trip sharing with predefined expiration for security purposes.
- Email-based live trip sharing for visibility across stakeholders.
Trip-wise analytics to track journey duration and stoppage percentages.
Map View & Geofences for Security & Compliance
- Live tracking with an event-wise summary on an interactive map.
Blind spot detection to identify areas with GPS disruptions. - Analysing high-risk and theft prone areas on maps
- Geofencing technology strengthens cargo security by restricting unauthorized movements.
- Mark and monitor sealing/unsealing areas, warehouse locations, and destination points.
- Instant alerts when vehicles enter or exit a designated area.
Custom geofence creation based on latitude and longitude input.
Read more: GPS Locks & Trackers Are Fundamental For Your Vehicles and Fleets. Here’s Why!
Final Thoughts: Securing the Future of Cargo Logistics
Cargo theft is a significant challenge, but proactive security measures can drastically reduce risks and enhance operational efficiency. By implementing cutting-edge solutions like Lynktrac, businesses can achieve:
- End-to-end cargo security with AI-powered monitoring.
- Enhanced visibility with real-time tracking and geofencing.
- Data-driven operational efficiency with comprehensive analytics.
In a world where supply chain disruptions can have severe consequences, investing in advanced cargo security is not just an option. It’s a necessity. With Lynktrac’s intelligent tracking and security solutions, businesses can confidently secure their cargo, optimize their supply chain, and safeguard their reputation.
