FreightWatch International, a provider of security services for global logistics, has published its annual Global Threat Assessment. The report examines each region of the world and the countries considered to be major players in the world's supply chain. It analyzes cargo theft rates, criminal tactics, targeted goods and government efforts to curtail the problem. According to FreightWatch, cargo theft activity has been growing throughout the western hemisphere, with substantial increases reported in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil and other South American countries. In Europe, by contrast, the overall reporting of cargo theft was down, although the average value per loss rose sharply, especially in the U.K., France and Germany. "Cargo criminals are actively targeting supply chains, stealing cargo in vast quantities and making huge profits on the black market," according to FreightWatch chief executive officer Barry Conlon. "In order to develop a comprehensive security plan, industry professionals must first understand the complexities of the risks they face."
