The Highway Patrol is involved in a number of statewide vehicle theft task forces in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys' offices, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Department of Justice. Because of the high incidence of vehicle thefts in Southern California, the majority of task forces are formed there and focus on the professional thief and organized vehicle theft rings.

Background

Over the past decade the cost of cargo theft related crimes has risen dramatically. It is estimated that combined losses suffered by the trucking industry, insurance companies, and the railroads, surpasses $10 BILLION in the United States annually. However, no financial total can adequately quantify the actual costs of cargo theft related losses which includes jobsite downtime, replacement of stolen commercial vehicles, time spent on additional paperwork, and increased insurance costs.

Prior to 1990, in the State of California, no proactive enforcement specifically directed at cargo theft related crimes existed. Consequently, the criminal element determined that the level of profit derived from the theft of cargo loads far surpassed the risk of apprehension. What quickly became apparent to several unethical entrepreneurs was that profits derived from the theft and sale of cargoes were substantial and tax free. Thefts of sought after commodities such as televisions, camcorders, VCRs, and computers, could reach a profit margin as high as .80 cents on the dollar. For example, an organized theft group with several reliable buyers, which stole a load of computers valued at $1 million, conceivably could earn as much as $800,000.00 from the sale of the stolen commodity.

In response to concerns from the California Trucking Association over this rising problem, Assembly Bill 1683 was enacted. This legislation created funding for the enhancement of cargo theft enforcement statewide, and designated the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to coordinate and implement the Program.

Statewide Problem Analysis

It is known, that on a regional level, the incidence of cargo theft is increasing. However, the overall scope of the problem statewide and the specific regions where cargo theft related crime is the greatest have been difficult to accurately determine. This is due to the nature of the commodity that is being stolen, (it is handled by many parties during transportation and distribution) and the inconsistent reporting procedures utilized by both the public and private sectors. To ensure the limited resources that are available for implementation of this Program are utilized in the most efficient way, the CHP gathered detailed information concerning the rate, type and value of cargo being stolen statewide.

In California three regions were identified statistically as suffering the most significant impact from cargo theft related crime. They include Los Angeles / Inland Empire, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego. Each of the identified regions is a major distribution center with major harbors, airports, and rail systems, handling millions of cargo containers and commodities annually. Additionally, within each of the identified regions exists thousands of commercial businesses that ship and receive billions of dollars of merchandise routinely by way of major freeway networks.

With the growing number of cargo thefts statewide, an alliance has been established between law enforcement and private industry to maintain open lines of communication. Organizations such as the Western States Cargo Theft Association, American Trucking Association, California Trucking Association and National Cargo and Security Council. Transportation company security directors and law enforcement personnel, meet on a monthly basis to discuss recent trends, losses, suspects, and active investigations. This type of partnership is the foundation of successful cargo theft enforcement.

Regional Operation Teams

In a state as large and diverse as California, each geographic region is unique as to the extent and type of problem being experienced. In some areas, efforts are already ongoing to address the cargo theft problem. In others, virtually nothing is being done in any coordinated manner. Because of these factors, the approach that will be taken in each region may be different; however, efforts will be made to establish regional teams that can serve as a proactive response to this type of crime.

Statewide Computerized Information System

The timely exchange of information between private industry and the numerous law enforcement agencies statewide is crucial to effectively combat the cargo theft problem. As such, development of a uniform statewide system that will link the regional operations has been completed. This will greatly enhance investigative efforts and provide detailed statistical information concerning the scope of the cargo theft problem, as well as provide trend analysis.

Local Agency Assistance/Liaison

One component of the Cargo Theft Interdiction Program is to support the efforts of local law enforcement agencies and improve the level of liaison among the various groups that are combating cargo theft related crime. CHP CTIP investigators work with local law enforcement agencies in an effort to recover stolen cargoes and follow-up on intelligence leads to combat cargo theft.

Theft Trends

Armed Robberies

In Southern California, cargo thefts by way of armed hijackings and/or terminal robberies have increased during the last five years. Common trends involving cargo theft armed robberies include the following:

Burglaries

Burglaries often occur at transportation truck yards, commercial parks, and railroad yards. Commonly, theft groups will enter the targeted facility, post look-outs, and spend several hours opening trailers and containers searching for a desirable commodity to steal. These crimes most often occur during the hours of darkness and or during the weekend. Common burglary tools include bolt cutters, tin snips, pliers, screwdrivers, flashlights, and filed down ignition keys.

Additional Trends

Cargo Theft / Organized Crime

Cargo theft is, in essence, a form of organized crime. Granted, in California cargo theft is not generally committed by proverbial mafia families, however, it is organized crime and in many cases violates Federal Statutes. The following is a list of applicable Federal Law that directly relates to Cargo Theft and Racketeering:

Private Industry/Law Enforcement Training - Awareness

Extensive effort will be directed toward improved liaison and increased training/awareness among law enforcement and the private sector. Through these joint efforts of state agencies, local law enforcement and private industry, enhancements will be made in the reporting procedures currently being followed when cargo thefts occur. This will include the issues of timely notification by victims, documentation by law enforcement and the automated tracking of this information on a statewide level. The CHP encourages the continued support of private industry by providing investigative information. Attached are the CTIP Loss Reports for most of the regional teams. Please duplicate the forms and use them to notify the respective regional team of any losses as soon as possible.

Implementation of the CTIP is seen as a significant opportunity to positively impact the serious problem of cargo theft related crime within California. Success of the Program is dependent upon an alliance between law enforcement and private industry. Any input or assistance that you can provide toward the implementation of the CTIP would be greatly appreciated.