During the third quarter of 2024, California ranked as the state with the highest incidence of cargo theft in the United States, accounting for approximately 48% of the more than 480 incidents reported nationwide, according to a report by a supply chain risk management company.
This increase, representing a 6.5% rise compared to the previous quarter, resulted in an average loss of $180,000 per incident.
Electronic goods were the primary target for thieves, making up more than 35% of reported thefts. The report highlighted that organized crime networks, particularly in Los Angeles and Chicago, are responsible for much of these offenses.
Despite California´s significant investments, including the $267 million announced in 2023 to combat organized retail crime, challenges remain. Since the allocation of these funds, over 10,000 arrests related to cargo theft and similar crimes have been reported. Additionally, new legislative measures in California aim to increase penalties for repeat offenders and enhance support during judicial proceedings.
At the federal level, the Protecting Our Supply Chains Act, introduced in June 2024, seeks to coordinate efforts between local and national agencies to reduce the impact of cargo theft, particularly in areas with high levels of organized crime.
These statistics underscore the urgent need to intensify efforts at both state and national levels to safeguard supply chains and ensure the security of cargo in transit.