From 2019 to 2023, the value of claims paid for truck, trailer, and cargo thefts totaled 531 million dollars. Of this amount, about 239 million dollars was never recovered. 

These estimates were made by Équité Association in a report published at the end of June, entitled The Cargo & Heavy Equipment Theft Trend Report

As the insurance fraud prevention organization points out, the cost of these thefts is borne by insurers, carriers, and consumers, as these crimes impact premium increases as well as the price of transportation units. 

Équité Association also mentions the risk these crimes pose to public safety, as the perpetrators do not always have the required training to drive these heavy vehicles or trailers. In carrying out their crimes, they travel near other road users. 

Moreover, when perishable goods are stolen, some are poorly stored before being resold in stores, which can cause public health concerns. 

Findings 

The average value of recovered cargo is 114,000 dollars. The highest value of thefts during this period was reached in 2022, totaling 134.8 million dollars. 

The recovery rate for trucks, at 56%, is higher than for trailers and cargo. The value of recovered trucks was 180 million dollars during the period analyzed by the report. 

Cargo represents about 10% of the total recovered goods but 19% of the total value of recovered goods. 

Four of the five main areas for cargo thefts were located in Ontario, namely Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Toronto. The other main area was for cargo thefts was Montreal. 

In 2023, the two Canadian cargo theft task forces established in Ontario conducted investigations that led to the dismantling of criminal networks. The number of thefts decreased compared to the previous year, but the report does not specify by how much. 

However, Équité Association predicts that thieves will resume higher activity levels in 2024 in the heavy vehicle sector, as more resources will be devoted to combatting passenger vehicle thefts. It is therefore expected that criminal networks will turn to cargo theft. 

Heavy machinery 

Regarding heavy equipment, the main areas affected by thefts are Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto. From 2019 to 2023, more than 124.6 million dollars in losses were related to these equipment thefts. These machines are used in construction, roadworks, or agriculture. 

An increase in thefts was observed in 2023 due to an imbalance between supply and demand. The most frequently targeted vehicles are skid-steer loaders and mini-excavators. These machines are often stolen from construction sites at night due to a lack of surveillance. 

Both machines are relatively small and can be easily loaded onto a trailer and disappear in a few minutes, the report points out. Larger equipment, when stolen, does not travel on public roads, so it is not seen by the public or law enforcement. 

Alerts and advice 

The organization maintains a database on these crimes and provides information to investigators and law enforcement through a secure portal. From 2019 to 2023, Équité Association issued 8,192 alerts about 10,414 cargo thefts. 

Fleet managers and truckers are advised to favor secure parking areas or well-lit rest areas equipped with surveillance cameras, fences, and security personnel. The installation of anti-theft devices and electronic tracking systems is also suggested. 

Background checks on drivers are also recommended. Training and raising awareness among truckers about the risk of cargo theft are also proposed.