breaking

Cargo theft climbs 5% in Q2 as thieves target electronics across U.S.

Reported cargo thefts reached 605 loads during the second quarter, marking a 5% increase from Q1 though down 5% year-over-year. May saw the heaviest criminal activity at 35% of quarterly incidents, averaging 202 monthly thefts April through June.

California and Texas dominated theft reports, accounting for 34% and 18% respectively. Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Illinois followed with 13%, 10% and 8%.

Electronics topped targeted commodities at 23% of cases, trailed by miscellaneous cargo at 20% and clothing/shoes at 10%. Miscellaneous goods surged 38% quarter-over-quarter and 84% year-over-year, the sharpest increase among major categories.

Pilferage comprised 46% of incidents, with full truckload theft at 21%. Warehouses and distribution centers accounted for 37% of locations hit. Friday represented 18% of incidents, the highest share of any day.