After it was revealed that there were 5,373 reports of HGV and cargo crime in the UK in 2023, resulting in an estimated £68 million in losses from the thefts alone, global logistics specialist Aramex UK has highlighted the importance for retailers to fortify their supply chains.
With the requirement for real-time visibility to track inventory levels, monitor shipments, and optimise distribution networks becoming increasingly vital for high-end fashion retailers, Aramex UK also has stressed the importance of leveraging comprehensive supply chain management solutions to improve transparency and security – while also using advanced measures like real-time tracking to prevent theft and counterfeiting.
According to the RHA, freight crime costs the UK economy around £250m a year, with reports suggesting that such criminal activity is firmly on the rise.
While some cases are opportunistic, freight crime is typically carried out by organised crime gangs and can occur any time between a shipment leaving its point of origin, through to its final destination.
These groups consist of skilled, determined, and experienced criminals who are knowledgeable about police tactics and surveillance methods and will often undertake innovative yet nefarious means to seize goods which will then be sold on to the grey market.
To combat this growing trend, Aramex UK, which has a significant presence in the retail sector, has given insight into what to look out for, and how retailers can strengthen and futureproof their supply chains now and in the years to come.
Haissam Badr, national freight manager at Aramex UK explained: “Modern supply chains are a highly complex and globally connected myriad of moving parts, making them a prime target for criminal activity. The larger the supply chain, the bigger the chance for security vulnerabilities to occur as ultimately there are more layers for inventory to pass through.
“In recent years we have seen first-hand the devastating effect freight crime can have on a business, and the majority of incidents have occurred as a direct result of insufficient security measures being put in place during transportation and storage, or as a result of an ‘insider’ threat.
“Securing the logistical element of a supply chain and undertaking thorough risk assessments is therefore crucial, yet despite the associated risks, retailers will regularly overlook the importance of implementing robust security measures, creating vulnerabilities that attackers can quite easily exploit.
“Fundamentally, freight crime can take place anywhere across the supply chain, from manufacturing sites, in-transit, at ports, or at distribution centres, and each stage presents its own unique vulnerability to theft and fraud, so having a lacklustre attitude towards security will only lead to significant losses and disruptions at some point, Haissam continued.
“With cyber-enacted crimes and insider involvement in particular creating a breeding ground for theft and fraud across global supply chains, fuelled largely by criminal gangs becoming increasingly tech-savvy, prioritising and investing in comprehensive security strategies to safeguard their supply chains has become increasingly necessary in recent years. Implementing cybersecurity measures is therefore crucial to protect against potential threats, data breaches, and to ensure the integrity of electronic transactions and communications.
“Optimising processes to mitigate risk and leveraging technology to build resilient, responsive networks, are now key to enhancing security across supply chains and mitigating any vulnerabilities – as is implementing proactive measures to keep one step ahead of criminal gangs.
“Which is why adopting strategies such using advanced tracking systems to monitor shipments throughout their journey to identify any deviations from the planned route or unexpected delays, implementing rigorous security screening, undertaking regular risk assessments and investing in physical security measures within unauthorised areas such as storage facilities and warehouses are all fundamentally key to ensuring the safety and security of valuable freight and to deter organised crime syndicates.”
source: https://tanknewsinternational.com/aramex-uk-highlights-importance-of-resilient-supply-chains-amid-spike-in-freight-crime-statistics/
