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The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) has issued a comprehensive driver security guide, aiming to mitigate the increasing criminal attacks on truck drivers in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

In 2023 alone, over 50,000 cargo thefts were reported to TAPA, averaging more than 140 thefts per day. Cargo theft in Europe has reached an estimated €8.2 billion annually, with 80% of these crimes involving trucks and trailers. Of this 80%, 10% occur at non-secure parking areas. Understanding the modus operandi of criminal networks is crucial to effectively combating cargo transportation-related crime, which often operates across borders and uses legitimate business structures to facilitate illegal activities. Sectors such as construction, hospitality, and logistics are particularly vulnerable to infiltration by organized crime.

According to TAPA, criminal attacks on truck drivers often involve intrusion, theft, deception, hijacking, illegal migrant entry, last-mile vehicle crime, cybercrime, and information security breaches. The association emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues amid the growing threat landscape.

“As well as the highly publicised truck driver shortages, especially in Europe, we also see a growing realisation by the driver community that their personal security is at risk,” TAPA stated. “Protecting drivers, therefore, must be a prime objective for all supply chain stakeholders because criminals also understand the vulnerability of trucks and drivers when they are en route or in parking locations.”

To reduce the opportunities for crime, TAPA advised that drivers minimise unscheduled deviations from their regular routes and park only in secure areas. It highlighted that 10% of all truck and trailer cargo thefts occur in unsecured parking locations. Drivers are encouraged to consult with their dispatcher before departure to identify secure parking areas and to communicate with law enforcement and company management if any suspicious activity that could impact cargo security occurs.

The guide provides detailed do's and don'ts to prevent intrusion, robbery, and theft threats. It also warns stakeholders about the 'deception threat,' where crime gangs trick brokers, carriers, shippers, and drivers into handing over shipments to their agents instead of the legitimate recipient. Although deception accounts for only 2% of cargo thefts in Europe, the losses can be significant. For instance, in November, a bogus driver managed to steal a shipment of mobile phones worth over €1.5 million from Schiphol Airport.

Thieves have been known to impersonate shippers, brokers, and even police to gain access to cargo. Drivers are advised to verify all information with their dispatcher, refrain from sharing sensitive information, and be cautious of police legitimacy.

The new guide is available here.