CargoNet reports 17% rise in cargo theft

   CargoNet, a source for cargo theft information, said it recorded 1,215 cargo theft incidents last year, 17 percent more than the 1,035 in 2010.
   Its annual report said 116 incidents involved base metals, 229 electronics, 105 apparel and accessories, and 200 prepared foodstuffs and beverages.
   Most cargo theft incidents occurred on Fridays (227), Saturdays (202), and Sundays (198) at locations such as truck stops, carrier/terminal lots, and unsecured parking lots.
   The report said 85 percent of the reported cargo thefts took place in 10 states, and that municipalities containing a major port continued to be targets for cargo theft activities. The greatest number of thefts took place in California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Illinois.
   CargoNet said the increase reflects a rise in cargo theft reporting and underlines that the main driver of this trend is the improvement in collaboration and data sharing between the insurance and transportation industries and law enforcement.
   Formed by Verisk Analytics and the National Insurance Crime Bureau in 2009, CargoNet developed and manages a national cargo theft database and secure information-sharing system.