SNAP survey
reveals the true cost of cargo crime

Cargo crime continues to be an increasing concern for the haulage industry. In January 2019 alone, TAPA recorded more incidents of cargo theft in Germany than Austria, Belgium, France and Italy combined, placing it third on the continent. In all, the total reported loss from crime in January 2019 was €10,797,475 - a 68.7% year-on-year increase.

While there is clearly a significant financial impact, a new survey by SNAP has revealed the real costs of rising cargo crime: the negative impact on the ongoing driver shortage and on the health and wellbeing of drivers.

Key findings

Transport professionals and drivers from around Germany were surveyed on the causes, impact and solutions to rising cargo crime.

Key findings include:

1-IN-3 INDUSTRY WORKERS HAVE HAD THEIR MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY CARGO CRIME

46.3% OF THOSE WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY HAVE, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY CARGO CRIME

61.7% BELIEVE A LACK OF SECURE PARKING IS THE MAIN REASON FOR INCREASES IN CARGO CRIME

ALMOST ONE THIRD OF INDUSTRY WORKERS BELIEVE INCREASING CRIME IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE EXISTING DRIVER SHORTAGE

Alarmingly, it is not just incidents of cargo crime that are increasing, but the aggression in the methods. For example, 5% of those surveyed had been directly impacted or knew someone affected by cargo theft involving the use of sleeping gas.

Why is cargo crime on the rise

As well as investigating the impact on individuals, the survey also discovered what industry workers feel are the main reasons for the rise in cargo crime.

A common theme was the increasing volume of cargo on the roads, which is believed to be a major factor by 44%. A similar figure (37%) feel the rising value of cargo, either by average load or volume on the road, is encouraging the dramatic increase in incidents.

37% FEEL THE RISING VALUE OF CARGO IS ENCOURAGING THE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN INCIDENTS

It is also felt that a lack of care and commitment to protecting vehicles is a major factor. 30% of respondents believe their company is not committed to sufficiently protecting vehicles. While almost one in four feels that disinterest from authorities is making security unnecessarily challenging.

By far, the most popular response ties into this lack of care: 61.7% believe a lack of secure parking is the main reason for increases in cargo crime, rising to 74.7% among those who have been victims of crime.

61.7% BELIEVE A LACK OF SECURE PARKING IS THE MAIN REASON FOR INCREASES IN CARGO CRIME

THIS RISES TO 74.7% AMONG THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF CRIME

Impact of cargo crime

On the health of drivers

Poor mental and physical health is already an important consideration for long-haul drivers. Within an already stressful and demanding working environment, increasing rates of cargo crime are having a negative impact and are likely to result in increased cases of fatigue, depression and anxiety.

1 IN 3 INDUSTRY WORKERS HAVE HAD THEIR MENTAL HEALTH DIRECTLY IMPACTED

When asked about the statement “Crime within the logistics/haulage industry negatively affects my mental health”, 34.8% either Agreed or Strongly Agreed. This number saw a significant increase to 56.6% among those who had been affected by trailer/container theft and reached as high as 66.7% for those who had been victims of theft from the cab.

66.7% OF VICTIMS OF THEFT FROM THE CAB AGREED IT HAD AFFECTED THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Part of this concern may come from the sheer volume of people who have been the victims of attacks on their cab. One in three have been victims of theft of cargo or personal items from the cab and 17.7% have been victims of theft while the driver was sleeping in the cab. While it is a small number, the fact that 5.1% reported they had been victims of theft with the use of sleeping gas remains alarming and demonstrates the level of aggression with which new forms of cargo crime are growing.

On the wider industry

It is not just drivers who are affected. Those in other roles, such as cargo loaders or fleet managers, also noted how widespread the experience of cargo crime has become. 46.3% of those working in the industry have, or know someone who has been affected by cargo crime.

46.3% OF THOSE WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY HAVE, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY CARGO CRIME

Beyond personal health, there is a significant concern about the reputation of the industry and its ability to recruit effectively in the future. There is already a driver shortage, but rising cargo crime is likely to increase this further. 28.9% felt the industry was unattractive for new drivers for safety reasons and 58.9% felt the overall impact on physical and mental health was the main reason potential recruits may not consider the industry.

Prevention of cargo crime

With so much concern, it is clear that awareness and a proactive response are vital to combat the rise in cargo crime. As well as identifying the impact and scale of this challenge for the industry, the survey also asked those who are closest to it how they feel the growth of cargo crime could be prevented.

The survey reveals that almost two-thirds feel the lack of secure parking is the main reason for increases in crime, and that 30% feel cashless payments are one of the best ways to prevent cargo crime – both of which are areas in which SNAP’s services could help drivers across Europe.

30% FEEL CASHLESS PAYMENTS ARE ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO PREVENT CARGO CRIME

“Looking at the results of the cost of cargo crime survey, it is clear that the industry is calling out for increases in secure parking options and cashless payments to reduce cab and cargo theft.”

Says SNAP Managing Director, Mark Garner.

“SNAP has been providing these services in the UK to great success and we are working hard to increase secure truck parking across mainland Europe. We currently have 16 sites in Germany including six pre-bookable Depot Parking locations, with considerably more to come in 2020.”

“SNAP is proud to support industry workers by providing solutions and services that not only deliver convenience to drivers and fleet operators, but can have a tangible impact on reducing cargo crime and improving mental health in the coming years.”

Daugiau informacijos

If you would like to find out more about SNAP, head to  www.snapacc.com