If you Google the phrase 'Security for Warehouse and Distribution Centers,’ you’ll get a quick education on topics you probably didn’t want to know about. A new subset of the security industry has evolved specifically to address warehouse and cargo theft. The danger isn’t just internal theft from employees, but also sophisticated criminal groups that can use cyber-crime based tactics to target specific cargos, pretend to be a legitimate trucking company, and make off with a cargo without anyone being the wiser. The FBI estimates cargo theft to cost trucking companies and retailers at least $15-$30 billion a year in losses.
According to OPS Security Group:
- Internal warehouse theft costs US companies nearly $16 billion per year in losses
- Warehouses and distribution centers have a labor turnover rate of nearly 14%
A March 25, 2023 CNBC article reported that food and beverage products are the top target for freight theft in 2023. While household goods and electronics had previously held the top spot in 2020 and 2021 thanks to the pandemic, the impact of inflation on food costs has altered cargo thieves’ focus back to the most basic of human needs.
To combat these threats, security companies recommend layered perimeter security (strong perimeter fencing, video surveillance, lot lighting, and alarm systems) in addition to strong internal employee controls such as keyless access, name badges for employees, a trash removal process, separating critical job functions and an inventory management system with random inventory checks. Interestingly, these exterior security recommendations are the opposite of a site use that blends quietly into the surrounding environment and doesn’t disturb surrounding residential areas.
If Middlebury wants to consider changing its zoning regulations to allow distribution facilities, there should be a fully transparent discussion on the security risks associated with this new use BEFORE any change is made. And given the potential danger to surrounding residential areas, how could this discussion be effective or even legitimate if the kinds of goods being distributed aren’t known? The top three most attractive items to thieves - foods/beverages, electronics, and household goods - are also the three most likely uses, so why wouldn’t we want to know the kind of target we are painting on our town if we allow this kind of development?
This entire discussion points back to the need for careful planning ahead of time: what exactly is the projected impact to our police department and town budget for security if we allow distribution facilities in Middlebury? As one security company put it, “If your warehouse, distribution center or truck lot hasn’t been hit yet, it’s only a matter of time. Are you ready?”
Cargo theft, led by food and beverage, is surging across the U.S.
