Columbia, SC, May 21, 2019
I think it’s especially despicable that criminals target the Memorial Day Weekend to do their dirty work.
Cargo theft on long holiday weekends has increased by as much as 52 percent over non-holiday weekends, according to SensiGard, a cargo-theft reporting firm. Many of our customers served in the military, and they especially deserve a peaceful pause in their busy lives to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice their brothers- and sisters-in-arms made to ensure the freedom we hold dear to our hearts.
With a little due diligence, you can set aside any concerns you might have about property theft over the upcoming holiday weekend.
Just remember CPR—Check, Prepare, Report.
Facilities:
Check
Check security alarm and surveillance systems to ensure proper working order. Ensure batteries are fresh in exit doors and in backup cellular phones (used to maintain alarm reporting, if phone lines are compromised). Perform perimeter checks, inspect the electric fence, non-electrified fence, and other barriers to ensure they are properly secured. Check perimeter lighting to ensure lights are on and replace non-working fixtures. Review timer so that lights come on while facility is closed.
Prepare
Test security systems — including The Electric Guard Dog™ — to ensure that the entire system is functioning and that monitoring company(ies) are receiving signals. Use a non-integrated alarm backup system with verified response capabilities. Remove keys from all warehouse equipment (forklifts) and place them in a secure location.
Report
If there is a fault in your system, skilled technicians are available 24/7 for troubleshooting on the phone. In many situations, issues can be resolved within a day. Ensure company alarm call list is current and contains valid phone numbers. Require responsible persons to respond to all alarm calls even if the system is suspected of malfunctioning. Contact law enforcement and ask for additional patrols in the area.
Freight In-Transit:
Check
Perform an initial overall check of the vehicle before leaving it unattended for any length of time. Check on the unattended vehicles as frequently as possible.
Prepare
Secure the tractor and trailer with a steering wheel locking device, kingpin locks, glad-hand locks (or other security equipment). Put industrial strength padlocks on trailer doors. Do NOT leave keys inside tractor. If you must leave your rig or loaded trailer unattended, look for a secure lot or authorized location to leave vehicles. If forced to leave vehicles at a public facility (truck stop, etc.,) pick one that is well lit and utilizes surveillance equipment. Park within view of the camera.
Report
Notify dispatch of where and when you have dropped the load and estimated time of return. Use embedded covert tracking in the freight with geo-fencing and alert notification. Gather with your team to discuss perimeter security as soon as possible.
Don’t wait until Friday afternoon to review security procedures and protocols. Apply these suggestions to help maintain the integrity of your security system and keep the criminal element on the outside.
