When is Cargo Theft Most Likely to Occur?

It’s Thursday — the worst day of the week for cargo theft. Tomorrow isn’t looking good either. Some days are worse than others, but cargo theft remains a major problem, disrupting the supply chain and damaging brand reputation for businesses across the U.S. We’ve conducted an analysis to determine how common cargo theft is throughout the year.

Worst Time for Crime

Is Cargo Theft More Common During the Week or Weekend?

Is cargo theft more common throughout the week or weekend? It may depend on who you ask.

According to some cargo theft experts, weekends are the worst. [1]

  • Friday (19%)
  • Saturday (17%)
  • Sunday (16%)

But others in the perimeter security industry report that weekdays are the worst, with Thursday topping the chart. [2]

analysis of theft

The patterns of cargo theft were heavily influenced by peak shipping times associated with holidays.

Holiday Heists

Labor Day through Christmas is the peak season for cargo theft in the retail and shipping industries. Stores are fully stocked and merchandise is moving in high volumes. While consumers are counting on massive savings, thieves are cashing in on opportunities to strike trailers and shipments left unattended over the holiday weekends and weeks leading up to Black Friday. And let’s not forget Cyber Monday. Last November saw a 37% increase in cargo theft volume from November 2016 and a 101% increase in the average value loss per theft. [3]

Trucking and logistics companies, warehouse and distribution centers — be wary. This weekend notoriously kicks off high season for cargo theft. But you can make sure it’s a non-starter with the right security measures in place. Protect your property from theft with a durable and reliable high security electric fencing and perimeter alarm system from AMAROK.

Are You Looking to Protect Your Property From Theft? Contact Us

Sources:

1. American Journal of Transportation CargoNet 2017 Cargo Theft Trend Analysis

2. TT Talk – Cargo theft analysis

3. Cargo Theft Threat to Rise During Holiday Week