American Pirates Hit the Highways

We all know the stories of the pirates hitting the high seas looking for treasure. A lesser known fact is that there are pirates right now on our American highways in search of treasure, our cargo. 

According to the article Cargo Theft: Pirates On Our Highways by NBCbayarea.com we loose $35 billion worth of cargo nationwide. Which does not include unreported thefts. "It happens nearly three times a day somewhere in America, and in California it happens twice as often as anywhere else in the nation." (Cargo Theft)

"Right now cargo theft is a low-risk, high reward proposition because the crime carries minor criminal penalties. Steal a half-million dollars-worth of cargo and a criminal might get six months in jail, according to various law enforcement agencies. Compare that to ten years in prison if a thief gets caught with a half million dollars-worth of cocaine. "(Cargo Theft)

How do these pirates attack?

• Truck stops.  A 30 second snack break is all it takes for a pirate to steal your truck and load.
• Unmanned Cargo.  Pirates drive up, break the pin lock and attach their cab and drive off.
• The Pirates simply unlock the truck and empty it out.

What states make up 75% of all cargo theft?

• California
• Texas
• Florida
• New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia

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