A total of 430 incidents of supply chain theft were reported to TAPA (the Transported Asset Protection Association) in December last year. While this is significantly lower than the 1,736 thefts reported in July, the value of stolen goods was more than twice as high in December.
In July, cargo worth a total of €16.2 million was stolen in the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa). However, in December, the total value of stolen goods reached approximately €36.9 million.
December’s total losses were the second-highest monthly total recorded by the TAPA EMEA Intelligence System (TIS) in 2024, with only November reporting a higher figure (€40.2 million). In comparison, October and September saw recorded losses of around €23.5 million and €19.3 million, respectively.
High average loss
The largest single incident involved the interception of a shipment of counterfeit goods by border guards in Durban, South Africa, on 19 December. The reported value of the seized goods exceeded €10.2 million, significantly increasing the average loss per incident recorded in December.
Other major incidents included the violent theft of a vehicle on 20 December and the loss of 300 luxury handbags, collectively worth €1 million.
Least safe countries
In December, Italy recorded the highest number of major cargo thefts (those exceeding €100,000), with nine incidents reported. The following countries reported the next highest numbers of major thefts:
- Germany – seven incidents
- South Africa – six incidents
- France and Spain – four incidents each
- Great Britain – two incidents
- Poland, Russia, and Romania – one incident each
Fuels remain the top target for thieves
In December, stolen goods reported to TAPA spanned 19 different categories.
“Fuel theft continued to account for a high percentage of all crimes affecting supply chains in the EMEA region, with 112 incidents in December,” TAPA highlighted.
Among the most frequently stolen goods were:
- Metals – 32 incidents
- Food and beverages – 22 incidents
- Tools/construction materials – 18 incidents
- Cargo theft involving the theft of entire trucks and/or trailers – 13 incidents
- Various electronics – 12 incidents