NU Online News Service, May 26, 10:47 a.m. EDT
By more than 150 incidents, California was top among states where cargo thefts occurred in 2010, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
A new report from the NICB tallies 747 cargo thefts last year, with an identified loss value of $171 million. And it doesn't take long for the thefts to occur. The NICB concludes thieves follow drivers of cargo until they stop—usually within 200 miles from the starting point—and steal the cargo often in less than five minutes.
California led the way with 247 cargo thefts, followed by Texas with 91, Florida with 66, Illinois with 56, Tennessee with 40, and Georgia with 39.
The NICB says it used several sources to collect the information. "Although not exhaustive," it admits, "the information identified in this report does represent a conservative picture of recent trends and patterns in cargo thefts, closely mirroring similar industry reports."
Electronics were the most-targeted items among thieves. Electronic products were taken on 139 occasions. Food and clothing were also high on the list.
"All three commodities are relatively easy for criminals to sell after stolen, with many of the goods being resold online, at flea markets and overseas," says the report.
According to the data collected, February was the busiest month for thefts, with 113. August came in second with 78 thefts. The NICB says cargo-theft patterns "often vary from year to year."
Truck stops, parking lots, warehouses and port cities are the most common places for cargo thefts to occur, says the NICB.
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