$18 Million in Cargo Stolen in Past Three Months

CargoNet

More than $18 million in cargo was stolen in the United States from early October to late December, according to CargoNet.

There were 181 reported cargo thefts during the three months, with 55% occurring from Friday to Saturday.

California led the country with 39 thefts. Pennsylvania made an unusual appearance on the list at No. 7 as thieves from around the country targeted the state.

CargoNet

“Crime groups based in states as far away as Florida aggressively targeted freight in Pennsylvania. More than $1.5 million in cargo was stolen in Pennsylvania in those three month,” CargoNet said in a statement. “In some cases, the cargo is sold before it was ever reported.”

The most-stolen items were food and beverage, which accounted for 24% of thefts.

“Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages were the chief target in that commodity category, but cargo thieves frequently stole sensitive items such as produce, meat products, seafood and frozen food,” according to CargoNet.

Electronics made up the bulk of the loss value, with 25 cargo thefts averaging about $417,250 each, with televisions being the most targeted item.