With cargo thefts on the rise in Canada and across the globe, distribution centres and warehouses continue to be at risk of being targeted by criminals. How can these sites be protected and ensure their high value inventory is secured?
Cargo thefts continue throughout Canada in 2023
Distribution centres, warehouses, and cargo trailers are a critical part of the supply chain across Canada and around the globe. Supply chains are logistically complex, with many moving parts and people working as part of the distribution process. Inventory stored within these properties and in cargo containers are often expensive and difficult to replace – the theft of which can create major setbacks that affect other parts of the supply chain, such as stock levels, retail stores inventory, and delivery dates.
On April 17, 2023, $20 million worth of high value goods were stolen from Toronto Pearson International Airport. This included a large of amount of gold as well as other items that were worth a hefty price tag. The level of sophistication and organization that went into pulling off such a heist highlights how cargo theft has become a major issue across Canada. (1)
York Regional Police has just concluded an in-depth investigation into a surge of cargo thefts across the Greater Toronto Area. A total of $1.65 million dollars worth of goods stored inside cargo trailers have been stolen since December 2022. After conducting several raids, Police recovered eight tractor-trailers, six full cargo loads, and a variety of vehicles that were used to transport the stolen goods. (2)
It’s not just cargo handlers in Ontario that are feeling the negative affects of theft. In Crossfield, Alberta, the RCMP recovered a cargo trailer containing firearms and other items after being stolen while travelling across the province. The thieves detached the trailer from the transport truck, attached it to another vehicle, and then made a clean getaway. (3)
A startling statistic...
What’s especially unnerving is that these are not isolated incidents, with cargo theft in Canada and the US increasing by 15% in 2022 – equaling 1,778 total recorded theft incidents. The inventory stolen runs the gamut from large vehicles, to electronics, to household furniture – and the top targeted locations included warehouses and distribution centres. (4)
This resulted in major disruptions to the overall supply chain, which is a major concern for the businesses that are victims of these thefts, and the businesses relying on these supply chains to stock their inventory. The rising rate of inflation has only worsened the situation – the increasing cost of specific goods, ranging from food and beverages to even laundry soap, makes them a potential target for thieves.(5)
To help protect against these thefts, a proactive approach to security is needed to deter crime and mitigate risk.
What can be done to protect your facility from cargo theft?
Live Remote Video Monitoring
Locations that house different cargo and inventory, such as a warehouse or distribution centre, need a security solution that covers all the angles. Warehouses are large properties with many different areas that require proper surveillance. Our proprietary and patented Video Security Unit makes the process of establishing security on any site easy, with each unit being fully modular and adaptable to the specific needs of a site.
The unit operates with several different elements working in tandem to create perimeter coverage – beginning with two high-res stationary cameras. These cameras are accompanied by a high-res PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera that can zoom in on the action & capture high quality images, that can then be used as evidence if a theft occurs.
Each camera is surveilled by our Remote Video Monitoring team from our UL Certified facility, who keep an eagle eye on the site to provide full protection and security to the property, and its valuable cargo.
syncroDetect Wireless Alarm System
Depending on the site and its needs, an additional layer of security may be required. Distribution centres and warehouses contain various areas within their floorplan that require additional security coverage to prevent the theft of cargo and inventory.
Wireless Door & Window contact sensors, and Indoor Motion Detectors provide the ability to outfit & secure sea-cans, warehouses, and storage trailers with a supplementary layer of security that integrates seamlessly into our Remote Security Monitoring network. Our syncroDetect alarm system is a robust solution that helps prevent the theft of valuable inventory, equipment, and cargo.
LTE Wireless Technology
Distribution centres and warehouses are often very large properties that are occasionally in remote locations, and installing hardwired Ethernet connections can be difficult and/or costly. That’s why all of our units operate independently in a completely wireless environment.
Our proprietary cellular LTE platform is the key to wireless security that is able to continue operating even in the unlikely event that one of the units in the security chain fails. If a distribution centre or warehouse is lacking in hardwired Internet infrastructure, our wireless units can be easily installed and up & running within minutes. All video data is sent back to our monitoring facility leveraging Cellular LTE signal, which is secure and reliable – when it’s needed most.
Video Review and Investigations
The ability to review security footage is also key to ascertaining necessary evidence and preventing future losses. If there is an incident of internal theft, our Investigations team has the ability to look back through footage archives to get a complete picture of what occurred.
Our cameras record 24/7, even outside of standard monitoring hours. The ability to monitor a site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is essential when dealing with high traffic warehouses and distribution locations. Our high quality footage can assist businesses and law enforcement with collecting video evidence that supports investigations, providing as much necessary information as possible to help crack a case.
syncroReports Information Reporting Dashboard
The ability to review security footage is also key to ascertaining necessary evidence and preventing future losses. If there is an incident of internal theft, our Investigations team has the ability to look back through footage archives to get a complete picture of what occurred.
A key facet of our security solutions is our syncroReports platform, which allows our clients to view their site and security log reports – in real time. Distribution centres in particular experience a lot of traffic – employees, delivery drivers, and other people who might enter and exit the site.
syncroReports provides a digital dashboard where important deliveries can be tracked and verified – the live monitoring feed provides immediate access to log reports with observations and notes collected by our Live Operators.
Providing access to all the facets of security of your site is an important way we leverage our proprietary, next generation technology to protect your valuable cargo.
Cargo theft is an issue that has been on the rise, and thieves will continue to conceive of new ways to gain access to precious cargo and resources at distribution centres and warehouses. Through proactive security solutions, these assets can be protected to ensure operations within the supply chain will continue to run smoothly.
Resources:
- “Air Canada was handling $20M in goods stolen in heist at Toronto Pearson Airport, source says”, Sean Davidson, CTV News, April 21, 2023
- “1.6 million cargo trailer theft bust nets charges for men from Mississauga, Brampton”, Liam McConnell, Insauga.com, April 18, 2023
- “Tip leads to recovery of cargo trailer”, Noel Edey, Cochrane Now, April 23, 2023
- “How much cargo theft rose in 2022”, Alyssa DiSabatino, Canadian Underwriter, January 16, 2023
- “Inflation helping boost cargo theft rebound in Canada, US”, Timothy Renshaw, Business Intelligence for B.C., March 2, 2023