Groups join forces to defeat cargo crime at Johannesburg airport

Groups join forces to defeat cargo crime at Johannesburg airport    The Association of European Airlines (AEA), Freight Forwarders International (FFI) and the Technology Asset Protection Association (TAPA) last month met with the South African government’s Department of Transport to discuss methods of combating “unacceptably high” levels of cargo crime at Johannesburg International Airport.
   A recent survey of TAPA members revealed 113 criminal incidents at the airport since the start of the year, compared to 36 reported incidents at all other airports in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
   “AEA, FFI and TAPA members and many of our industry partners view the level of cargo related criminality on and around Johannesburg Airport as unacceptably high and a significant concern. The incremental costs of protecting personnel and cargo in Johannesburg are among the highest in EMEA,” said Steve McHugh, head of strategy for TAPA covering EMEA.
   Key outcomes of the meeting included:
   * A commitment from Jeff Radabe, South Africa’s Minster of Transport to work with industry security associations in the fight against cargo crime.
   * An agreement to work towards creation of a “JNB Partnership Against Cargo Crime” working group.
   * South Africa’s DOT to participate in the new industry working group link in other government stakeholders to the group’s activities.
   “We are encouraged by the high level and constructive response of the South African authorities to our intentions to fight back against this problem. The Minister of Transport acknowledged our concerns and recognized the commitment of AEA, FFI and TAPA to work together to beat cargo crime at the airport,” said Robert Larson, chairman of FFI’s security committee.