Organised crime groups are increasingly using advanced methods such as GPS jamming and deception theft to target freight across Europe, according to the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA). The association estimates that cargo crime now costs the logistics industry around €8.2 billion annually.
Speaking in a recent discussion hosted by mobility services provider SNAP, Harry Hughes, TAPA EMEA’s UK Lead, said that criminal tactics have evolved in response to improvements in vehicle security technology.
“As technology evolves with advanced CCTV, locking, and tracking systems, criminal gangs have changed their tactics. They’re using jammers to block tracking systems, and deception theft is becoming more common,” Hughes explained.
Secure parking shortage fuels theft risk
Hughes emphasised that secure parking remains one of the weakest links in the supply chain. While many European truck stops already operate under TAPA Parking Security Requirements (PSR) Level 1, 2 or 3 certifications, coverage is still limited in the UK and some regions of mainland Europe.
Under TAPA’s Truck Security Requirements (TSR), fleets are encouraged to use secure locations even if it means stopping a few hours earlier than the legal driving limit allows.
“If we are transporting goods under TAPA TSR standards, we are required to park in secure locations,” Hughes said. “We may stop a driver two or three hours before their maximum driving limit so we can get them parked safely.”
To strengthen this network, SNAP has trained PSR Level 3-qualified auditors who are currently working to accredit additional parking sites across the UK and continental Europe. The aim is to make secure parking more widely available and reduce opportunities for organised theft.
Impact extends beyond financial loss
The consequences of cargo crime go far beyond the value of stolen goods. A single incident can cause operational disruption, higher insurance premiums, reputational damage, and driver safety risks. Hughes warned that the growing threat also has a human cost.
“It’s the driver’s safety at the end of the day. They need to be able to get a good night’s rest and know they’re going to be safe and secure,” he said.
Some drivers, he added, have left the industry due to the stress and security risks associated with freight theft. Interrupted rest and fatigue can also affect safety on the road the following day.
Calls for unified security standards
Both TAPA and industry stakeholders argue that unified security practices are essential to address the problem. TAPA’s standards provide a framework for fleets and parking operators to identify, manage, and mitigate risks across the supply chain.
Hughes noted that companies adhering to these standards can reassure their customers that goods are handled within a controlled and verifiable security framework.
