Freight crime in Chile was up 450pc y-o-y in 2022, with incidents of theft up an estimated 27% on pre-pandemic levels. This is amongst the findings of joint analysis from TT Club, BSI SCREEN, the Logistics Association of Chile, and the crime investigation unit, Signum Services.

The report notes that pandemic-induced measures such as quarantine, restrictions in movements, curfews and had the effect of reducing the number of cargo theft incidents for much of 2020 and 2021; but that it bounced back "with vengeance" once Covid-related restrictions were removed.

“The underlying factors that seem prevalent in explaining the alarming statistics seem to be predominantly social and economic in nature,” comments TT’s managing director of loss prevention, Mike Yarwood. “Inflation, increases in the cost of living and social unrest have motivated individuals to turn to crime. These circumstances, which also encourage a larger black market, particularly in foodstuffs, instil heightened criminality in the population.”

Published today, the report found that criminal organisations that are behind much of the theft have exploited to a greater degree than in the past those employed in the supply chain, to provide valuable data and information on cargo flows, nature of loads and an ability to falsify delivery instructions.

Labour strikes, also common in a recession, create pinch points in the usual smooth flow of goods. Such locations become a focal point for crime, according to the report. Statistics show that second to hijacking as a mode of theft (57%), is the combined activity of stealing from a facility or of a vehicle itself, when cargo is at rest, contributing to 32% of all incidents.

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